Coronavirus Stratford: Town Staffing Changes Aim To Slow Spread

STRATFORD, CT — In an effort to reduce exposure to and transmission of the new coronavirus, Mayor Laura Hoydick on Monday ordered a system of rotating shifts at town offices, alternating between staff in the offices and those who are telecommuting and working remotely.

The plan is aimed at ensuring the continuity of town services should any town personnel get the virus, requiring self-quarantine. All offices of town government will continue to be closed to the public, but will remain staffed and accessible via email and phone. As of Sunday, three Stratford residents had tested positive for the virus.

“Our goal during this emergency is to keep all critical functions of town government fully operational while making every possible accommodation for the safety and well-being of the public as well as our dedicated town personnel,” Hoydick said in a town news release. “By allowing those personnel who can do so to work remotely in alternating shifts, we will substantially reduce personal contact, which will reduce the potential spread of coronavirus.”

The building department will suspend certain types of inspections such as oil tanks, heating systems and final residential inspections. Inspections upon which construction depends will continue.

Pink bag textile recycling is also suspended until further notice.