Coronavirus Newtown: First Positive Case Reported

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown First Selectman Dan Rosenthal did a 'code red' call to residents to announce the town's first positive case of the new coronavirus.

On the Newtown Police Department's Facebook page, posted around 1 p.m. Sunday, it's noted that Rosenthal alerted residents this morning.

"I’m calling to inform you, as we’ve long anticipated and prepared for, we have our first diagnosed case of coronavirus in Newtown. Fortunately, this individual is doing well and is recovering at home under self-quarantine.

As testing continues to ramp up, we expect there will be more cases in town. How many more really depends on us.

This virus isn’t about you or me, it’s about our collective efforts to protect the vulnerable. How do we do it? It’s not complicated, wash your hands regularly and stay away from one another.
People are getting outside, which is great, but far too many people are getting together in large groups to do it. This is unacceptable and frankly, reckless. In addition, it makes it more likely that future orders from the federal and state governments become more extreme.

While I will make additional Code Red calls to update you as necessary, I will not be making calls for each case we may find out about. In the interim, please follow all health directives and register for E-Alerts on the town website.

Please say a prayer for the sick and for our medical professionals and first responders. They have never given up on us and never will. Let’s also commit ourselves to doing the right thing and show the world that Newtown comes together, while staying apart.

Thank you and enjoy your Sunday."