Coronavirus Vernon: First Case Confirmed In Town

VERNON, CT — The town of Vernon has been notified by the North Central District Health Department of the first local confirmed case of Coronavirus, municipal officials said. The patient is a resident in (his/her) 20s, officials said.

No further information about the case can be released at the present time, Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said.

He and Mayor Daniel Champagne said Vernon is opening a virtual Joint Coordination Center in partnership with the North Central District Health Department and the Eastern Connecticut Health Network to assist residents.

Beginning Tuesday (March 24) at 8:30 a.m., the JCC will be open during normal town business hours (Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m.); Thursday (from 8:30 am to 7 p.m); and Friday (from 8:30 am until 1 p.m.). Staffed with Town employees, the JCC will provide residents with "the latest public health information, availability of essential businesses and critical health and human services, as well as serve as a central registration point for those wishing to volunteer or make donations."

The JCC can be reached by calling 860-896-4568.

Champagne said, "During this public health emergency, the health and safety of our staff,
students and residents as well as the continued operations of our local government remains a top priority. The town's primary objective is to slow down the transmission of the coronavirus so our health care system is not overwhelmed."

Purcaro, who also serves as the director of emergency and risk management said, "Collaboration is a key component to the success of our emergency and risk management operations. The JCC will enhance communications between residents and their town government by providing a central clearinghouse of information about how our community is collectively preparing and responding to this pandemic."

Patrice Sulik, the director of the North Central District Health Department said, "This virus is highly contagious. It is critically important to continue following the latest public health guidance and recommendations to protect yourself and your family."

For additional information, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov, the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health website at www.portal.ct.gov/DPH, the town of Vernon website at www.vernon-ct.gov or by calling the JCC at (860) 896-4568.