On Tuesday, the Greenwich Health Dept announced 394 Greenwich residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
The 394 is up from the 324 cases reported on Monday, April 13. (The 324 number reflects a correction from the Health Dept to the 325 cases reported for Monday, April 13.)
Health Director Caroline Baisley said so far, the increase of 65 additional Greenwich resident cases is the largest daily increase so far.
“We were told the surge would be in mid-April for our area, and that’s what’s happening,” Camillo said on a press conference call Tuesday afternoon. “It’s not totally surprising.”
Earlier in the day, after Camillo and the heads of the Police Dept, Fire Dept and GEMS finished their daily task force meeting at the public safety complex, Camillo said, “It’s better to be safe than sorry. We strongly suggest wearing gloves and masks, and keeping a distance.”
Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey outside the public safety complex. April 14, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
Greenwich Fire Chief Peter Siecienski outside the entrance to the Fire Dept at 15 Havemeyer Place. April 14, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
Greenwich Fire Chief Peter Siecienski agreed.
“Just because people have a mask on, social distancing does not stop,” Siecienski said.
Head of GEMS Tracey Shietinger said, “Wash your hands. If you go to the grocery store, you still need to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds – even if you used Purell.”
“Wash your hands every time you touch something that doesn’t belong to you.” – Patrick O’Connor GEMS Director of Operations
GEMS Tracey Shietinger outside the public safety complex. April 14, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
Camillo agreed. “When you touch money, you were always taught to wash your hands. With any touchable surface, you have to look at it like touching money.”
Camillo said Tuesday’s jump in numbers is a reminder to remain vigilant, wash hands frequently, wear gloves and continue to wear a face covering “whenever outdoors, whether it’s for a walk in your neighborhood, getting groceries or visiting the pharmacy for medications.”
That said Camillo noted face covering advice is a “suggestion.”
Camillo’s town-wide directive covers for food-service and grocery workers, and requires them to wear both facial coverings and gloves while at work.
This week, he said it remained a “suggestion” that residents wear gloves and face masks when they enter any building open to the public.
As for residents reporting violations of the First Selectman’s executive order closing town parks, Camillo said if one or two people are walking through a park, it’s not necessary to alert authorities.
“We’re looking for people in a position to spread a virus if one of them has it,” he explained. “We’re looking for people in groups, playing sports in groups, or people on playgrounds.”
Camillo said it’s easy to keep a bandana, handkerchief or flag in your pocket.
“I’ve been making them out of handkerchiefs. If I can make them anyone can,” he said.
Camillo said he’d heard personal stories from friends who had COVID-19 and recovered.
“It’s a mystery as to why so many people can ward it off and yet it’s troublesome for others,” Camillo said. “The race is on for a vaccine and for treatments.”