Wilton Coronavirus Update: 2 Residents Dead, 17 Confirmed Cases

WILTON, CT — Two elderly residents have died from the new coronavirus, First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice announced Thursday. Another 17 Wiltonians have tested positive for the virus, according to the state Department of Public Health. The Wilton Public Health Department is aware of at least 20 laboratory-confirmed cases, according to Vanderslice.

"As we all know, statistically, residents aged 65 and older are at higher risk should they contract the virus," Vanderslice said. "Upon learning of today’s news, I reflected upon the sacrifice so many residents, in that same age range, have made for our country, with many putting their lives on hold and at risk to serve in World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam War. For Veterans Day, Wilton school children and their parents attend school assemblies where students speak of their gratitude for the service of those veterans. Well, those veterans and their families need your gratitude now. Not in words, but in actions. Actions that can prevent those same veterans from becoming sick and at risk. Please, show that gratitude and respect them by behaving as if you have the virus and as if those around you do as well. Stay home, don't congregate in groups, and follow the directives of federal, state and local officials."

As of Thursday, a total of 1,012 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. Cases have been reported in all 8 Connecticut counties. One hundred and twenty-five patients were hospitalized, and 21 residents have died (13 in Fairfield County, three in Tolland County, two in Hartford County, two in New Haven County, and one in Middlesex County), according to the state Department of Public Health. More than 6,500 tests have been reported.

Gov. Ned Lamont has declared a "Stay Safe, Stay Home" program. All non-life-sustaining businesses in Connecticut have been closed, and the governor has asked Connecticut residents to limit social gatherings to just five people.

"We are receiving a number of calls and emails about crowded trails, use of private clubs closed by order of the Governor and use of fields closed by the Town," Vanderslice said. "Please respect the orders. Wilton has never been the type of community that requires heavy handed enforcement. We don't want to see that happen now, nor do we want to put people at risk of exposure in doing so."

Wilton Public Schools are closed until further notice, but distance learning continues online.

Hours for dropbox service for Town Hall and Annex departments have been reduced. Dropbox service for each department will begin at that department's normal start time and continue for three hours.

Don't miss updates in Connecticut concerning the Coronavirus as they are announced. Sign up for Patch alerts and newsletters.

Wilton resident Peg Koellmer has organized a volunteer network, Wilton Helping Hands, to address the needs of Wilton’s most vulnerable population. To volunteer, call 203-451-8447. If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact Director of Social Services Sarah Heath at sarah.heath@wiltonct.org.

The Chamber of Commerce is encouraging all residents to shop and eat locally during the pandemic. Here's a list of who's closed, when they hope to open and who's delivering.

The State of Connecticut has instituted a Recovery Bridge Loan Program for businesses or nonprofits with 100 or less employees. Details and the application form are available online.