Coronavirus Wallingford: Mayor Issues Statement To Residents

WALLINGFORD, CT — In a message to Wallingford residents, Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. said the town is on a “sure and steady” path in dealing with the new coronavirus health threat. Dickinson, who told the Meriden Record-Journal earlier this week that he had no plans to close or scale back operations at Town Hall, advised residents who are ill to not enter a government building.

Dickinson said the town’s health department is monitoring information from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Public Health. He said town government is “actively instituting measures to protect town employees and continuing our effort to provide services which assist residents and businesses.”

“We are very aware of our need to promote important public health measures and an unwavering commitment to maintain public access to the government services essential to our community,” Dickinson wrote in the message. “We are on a sure and steady course. Our adapting to constant change is essential to ensure our course is best for our town.

“Town government employees will not be able to assist residents and businesses if they become ill. Please do not enter a government building, or other business, if you are suffering from coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath. Communicate by telephone, mail or other electronic means to avoid exposing employees to illness. Again, we cannot serve you when we are ill.”

Dickinson said that there is “much every person can do to combat the coronavirus.” (To sign up for Wallingford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“Transmission of the disease is believed to primarily occur when a person has a fever, coughs or sneezes, similar to how other influenza diseases spread,” Dickinson said. “Please, if you are coughing or sneezing, do not seek the company of other people either for business or enjoyment.”

Dickinson also advised residents to adhere to the following advice from the health department:

• Practice good hygiene and wash your hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and large social gatherings.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are ill and until fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• If you suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact your health provider.

“Now is the time for us to rationally protect ourselves and others and not spread the disease,” Dickinson said. “We need everyone to be healthy and provide the work product and service so essential for friends, neighbors and follow residents.”

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