Wallingford Coronavirus Updates: Town Buildings Closed To Public

WALLINGFORD, CT — The town of Wallingford is closing all municipal buildings to the public effectively immediately in response to the new coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Monday afternoon.

Wallingford had its first two confirmed COVID-19 cases on March 25 and has nine confirmed cases as of Monday, according to Mayor William Dickinson.

Dickinson said the town also received information of "increasing numbers of people suffering from the virus in neighboring towns." (To sign up for Wallingford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"It is not time for panic," Dickinson wrote in a message to residents. "It is time for us to devote even greater effort to protect one another by complying with health department advice: Stay home as much as possible; Wash hands thoroughly and frequently; Maintain at least 6 feet distance from other people; Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; Cover your cough and sneeze; Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces."

Dickinson said that all town municipal buildings will lock outside entrances to protect the public and employees.

"We need to emerge from this pandemic as soon as practicable," Dickinson said. "It's up to each of us to reduce contact with fellow citizens."

Unlike most municipalities in the state, Wallingford did not curtail operations at Town Hall until Monday's announcement.

Anyone needing to conduct business is asked to call, email or mail your request for information or to schedule an appointment, according to Lt. Cheryl Bradley.

“The Wallingford Police Department will remain open for service, however, in an effort to better keep our officers and residents safe, we request that you contact our dispatch center at 203-294-2800 for all non-emergency matters as opposed to entering the public lobby,” Bradley wrote in a news release. “If you require a report from our records division, please call ahead to expedite services. All fingerprinting and prescription drug take-back services have been temporarily suspended. We will notify the public when these services are restored.

“We continue to encourage our residents to be diligent in following the CDC guidelines in an effort to keep us all safe and healthy.”