On Friday Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo gave an update on the town’s response to the COVID-19 virus by conference call for local media.
He said of Friday morning, Greenwich Hospital has tested 284 people in its specimen collection station, and of those tested, 56 were positive.
Camillo said that a Town Hall employee in the Planning & Zoning Dept who was not feeling well called in sick.
“I got the call early in the morning,” he said. “I told that department to stay home. We had that office thoroughly cleaned. We’re playing it safe to not have anyone in that office.”
P&Z and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency employees were sent home.
P&Z chair Margarita Alban said the department is making plans to operate digitally.
By email, P&Z director Katie DeLuca explained that an employee contacted her and Pat Sesto, Director of Environmental Affairs, late Thursday evening to report that they had symptoms of Covid-19.
“The case is not confirmed or tested but to be cautious we immediately instructed all employees in the department to remain at home and ask that the office be thoroughly cleaned, which it was today,” she said. “It is very important to note that the office is still fully functioning, at least to the best of our abilities, as all employees are working full-time from home.”
Parks & Rec personnel will be monitoring the beaches and parks this weekend and every day going forward. Staff will ask people who are congregating do so in no groups of no more than five.
The rule is no organized games or practices. No permits are being issued.
“We’ll have to go around and watch because that seems to be where people are not taking it as seriously as they should,” Camillo said.
As for State Senator Alex Kasser’s suggestion of a statewide shelter in place order, Camillo said he would wait to see Governor Lamont’s decision.
“You’ll never see me criticizing any policy that errs on the side of caution,” he said. “It’s something we should be discussing. We’re not there yes but I’m open to that discussion.”
“This is a national health emergency. I cannot stress that enough. We’re getting reports of people on social media sharing posts that are not true and sending around emails almost in a reckless manner. It goes beyond somebody being political. The wrong information can kill somebody. – Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo
As for the people tested at Greenwich Hospital, the patients came from all over the state as well as Westchester County.
Currently, there are 10 patients in the hospital who have tested positive.
Camillo said people should reach out to their doctor or healthcare facility if they have an upcoming appointment for the latest information on hours of operation and visitor restrictions.
Many offices are now offering tele-medicine services.
Anyone who thinks they have COVID-19 symptoms should call their doctor or healthcare facility before visiting. If you have questions about COVID-19, call 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644), or check the website: https://www.ynhhs.org/patient-care/covid-19.aspx
Greenwich Police Dept request anyone experiencing mild symptoms who are not
in a high risk group to contact their personal physician and not call 911.
Anyone with mild symptoms should not go to the emergency room before contacting your doctor for direction.
If you have any serious symptoms, please do not hesitate to call 911. Please save 911 for real emergencies.
Residents who visit Holly Hill Transfer Station are asked to go during the week, to help reduce the number of visitors to the site on Saturday.
The Book Swap is closed until further notice. Please do not leave off book donations.
Greenwich Library is closed but staff are available to answer questions by phone and email Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 9:00pm. Residents may visit the Digital Library for 24/7 access to eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, music, learning and more all available on the website.
• For Borrowing, call (203) 625-6524.
• For Reference, call (203) 622-7920.
• Ask a Virtual Librarian