As of, Wednesday, April 15, 499 Greenwich residents had tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Greenwich Health Dept.
The 499 represents an increase from the 394 on Tuesday, for an additional of 105.
This is the second day with a significant leap for Greenwich. On Tuesday there were 394 cases, up 65 from Monday’s 324.
According to Health Director Caroline Baisley, the sharp increase in Greenwich patients is attributable to a lag in test results.
Baisley said results are tabulated and added to the State Dept of Public Health computer systems, and newly reported cases involved patients who were tested two to three weeks earlier. Greenwich receives its daily numbers from the State Health Dept.
“The alarming issue here is that many of these people may have been asymptomatic and
continued their daily business interacting with family, going outdoors or to the supermarket, unknowingly exposing countless others,” First Selectman Camillo said. “I cannot continue to emphasize enough, just how important it is to wear facial coverings whenever outside of your home.”
Camillo said he’d been circulating across town and found there was overall compliance in supermarkets, but less so in delis.
“People in delis are in close quarters,” he said. “We need to focus on those tiny spaces.”
Noting that earlier in the day New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo mandated all New Yorkers wear masks in public, Camillo said would consider following suit in Greenwich, but that overall compliance is good in Town.
“They’re keeping their distance, they’re wearing masks. They ‘re wearing gloves. So right now I don’t think it’s needed,” he said. “We’re monitoring on a daily basis. The deli situation did catch my eye because you really can’t space out in delis.”
Camillo said nearby mayors and first selectmen have been coordinating their efforts similarly to the coordination among governors in the region.
“We all have to be on the same page and take a regional approach. We’re aware of what each town is doing, and we’re all aware of what each other is doing. We’re in touch several times a week,” he added. “We’re in a pandemic. This is all for the health and safety of people.”
Additional numbers, per Greenwich Hospital as of Wednesday, there were 117 COVID-19 positive patients being treated across several different Hospital units.
So far, 223 patients have been discharged from the Hospital and continue their recuperation at home.
There have been 3,330 people have been tested at the Hospital outpatient test site with 1,292 testing positive.
These numbers reflect patients who live in Greenwich as well as from other towns in Connecticut and Westchester County.
Town Hall Closure Extended a Month
First Selectman Camillo, in consultation with his emergency management team, ordered Town Hall to remain closed to all employees, through May 20. This date is in accordance with other closure dates issued by Governor Ned Lamont.
Originally the order was effective March 23 through April 22.
All employees are expected to continue to work from home and to be available by phone and email during business hours. The Town will continue to provide limited services where possible.
Anyone who needs a Town service, is asked to first visit the Department’s webpage. The website and email are the preferred methods of communication during this time. Staff will make periodic checks of voicemail boxes, however, please allow additional time for responses during this situation.
Don’t Flush Those Wipes down the Toilet!
Camillo reminded residents that sanitizing wipes, paper towels, face masks and gloves must NOT be flushed down the toilet.
On Tuesday, a Dept of Public Works crew had to repair a wastewater pump station which broke down because it became clogged with these items, according to Public Works Commissioner Amy Siebert.
“This preventable equipment malfunction is regrettable on several fronts especially since the crew had to work in very close quarters in order to effectuate repairs,” Camillo said in his daily release to media.
Recent Daily COVID-19 Updates:
Tuesday: 65 New Cases of COVID-19 Reflects Largest Daily Increase in Greenwich