Coronavirus Redding: Town Now Under 'State Of Emergency'

REDDING, CT — First Selectman Julia Pemberton has announced that the Town is operating under a State of Emergency as a result of the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

The order was signed on Friday, Pemberton said in a letter distributed on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday, Redding town hall is making temporary changes in way certain business will be handled, Pemberton said in the letter. Town Hall doors will be closed to the public, and residents are being urged to check the Town website, as many government services are available online. Anyone who can't find what they need online may call.

Town Hall has minimum staff in each office on a daily basis to take those calls, Pemberton said, and staff members are rotating in on a schedule set by department heads. Employees who are not at Town Hall have remote access to their desktops.

Public safety personnel continue to work at full staff, and social services, along with the food pantry, are in operation. The Town's emergency operations center is open and "monitoring the situation in real time," Pemberton said.

"Our first responders are trained, prepared, and equipped, to respond in this public health emergency. Our emergency management team participates in daily calls with the Governor and members of his emergency management team."

The first selectman is strongly encouraging all residents to practice social distancing, stay home and leave only for essential activities like grocery shopping, medicine, and "solitary walks in the great outdoors."

"If you do leave the house please consider patronizing one of our local businesses as many are serving take-out dinners and drive-by service. Call ahead," she wrote.

"Above all be kind to one another and understand that everyone reacts differently in stressful situations," Pemberton said in the letter. "Redding is a uniquely caring community. Let’s take care of one another, from a distance, and I look forward to seeing you all up close and personal when we are on the other side of this health crisis."

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