City of Stamford: Stamford has now 1,189 confirmed coronavirus cases

By City of Stamford | Posted by
(NIAID Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML), U.S. NIH)

City of Stamford updates on coronavirus situation 04/08/2020

First time reading our newsletter? You can subscribe by visiting https://www.stamfordct.gov/subscribe, fill out your email address and select “All City News & Announcements,” then click “Subscribe Me” at the bottom. This newsletter is available on the City of Stamford’s website. Residents can follow the City of Stamford’s Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook for periodic updates. Updates are also provided on Channel 79 for Optimum cable subscribers.

This newsletter is compiled into four sections.

  1. Recent Updates. Stamford’s COVID-19 situation in the past 24 hours.
    1. Major: Developments impacting all sectors.
    2. Community: Developments impacting Stamford residents.
    3. Services: Developments and closures impacting services provided to Stamford residents such as City services, utility services, nonprofit services, and etc.
    4. School: Developments impacting students, teachers, staff, or residents who rely on services provided by Stamford Public Schools.
    5. Business: Developments impacting Stamford businesses and business owners.Please note the “Business” subsection will be phased out in the coming week, businesses can sign up for updates from Director of Economic Development Thomas Madden by emailing TMadden@stamfordct.gov.
  2. Help Stamford. Information for volunteer/donation opportunities.
  • Ongoing Information. Comprehensive information from our website about what’s going on in Stamford, including information on testing sites, local Mayoral orders, state executive orders, a list of closures, a list of services impacted, and much more.
  1. Information on who to contact at the City for inquiries.

The content of this newsletter is compiled by the City of Stamford and relies on information provided by health professionals, City staff, state elected officials, local organizations, and members of the community. If you have information for this newsletter — or believe some information is incorrect — please contact the City’s Communications Assistant Arthur Augustyn using this form.

Recent Updates

  • Connecticut’s Department of Public Health provides a daily update on the state’s COVID-19 situation. Residents can visit this link daily for new updates. According to the report — last updated at 5:00 p.m. on April 10th — Stamford has 1,189 confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared to 1,113 confirmed cases on April 9th.
    • Connecticut’s Department of Public Health also provides an interactive dashboard tracking cases and deaths across the entire state. According to this resource, Stamford has 30 reported deaths attributed to COVID-19 cases.
    • The City would like to remind residents Stamford is likely experiencing peak transmission of COVID-19 right now. Please stay home and avoid contact with others.

Major:

  • Mayor David Martin released a video demonstrating the new “quick response” COVID-19 test (also available on Instagram). This type of testing will be administered to Stamford’s first responders, with a goal to test all first responders twice a month for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • This “quick response” test takes a tiny blood sample through a fingerstick and identifies if a patient has antibodies from fighting the COVID-19 virus. Test results take 10 to 15 minutes to process.
    • Individuals who test negative for the virus will not need to be isolated or quarantined.
    • Residents interested in testing can refer to the City of Stamford’s COVID-19 resource page which includes a page dedicated to all available testing sites in Stamford.
  • Stamford Health announced earlier this week it received approval for a Convalescent COVID-19 Plasma Study, approving clinical trials to study the feasibility and safety of convalescent plasma (CP) therapy in patients with COVID-19.
  • Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order with a variety of directives. Residents are advised to read the full executive order. Some of the directives include:
    • Automatic 60-day grace period for April rent. “If rent due in April 2020 is unpaid when due and paid within sixty days thereafter, the tenant of a dwelling unit shall not be in default or violation of the rental agreement and the landlord of such unit may not deliver or cause to be delivered a notice to quit or serve or file a summary process action for nonpayment of rent; impose late fees, interest, or penalties; report such rent as late to any credit bureau or tenant screening service; or otherwise retaliate against the tenant.”
    • 60-day grace period for May rent, upon request. “If rent due in May 2020 is unpaid when due and paid within sixty days thereafter by a tenant who, on or before the 9th day after such rent is due, notifies the landlord or landlord’s representative in writing, including but not limited to in written electronic communication, that the tenant needs to delay all or some payment of rent because he or she has become fully or partially unemployed or otherwise sustained a significant loss in revenue or increase in expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tenant of a dwelling unit shall not be in default or violation of the rental agreement and the landlord of such unit may not deliver or cause to be delivered a notice to quit or serve or file a summary process action for nonpayment of such rent; impose late fees, interest, or penalties; report such rent as late to any credit bureau or tenant screening service; or otherwise retaliate against the tenant.”
    • Continued cancellation of school classes through May 20, 2020.
    • Extension of closures, distancing, and safety measures through May 20, 2020. This includes limits on restaurants, bars, private club operations, gyms, sports, fitness and recreation facilities, movie theaters, shopping malls, retail establishments, and all nonessential businesses.
    • Full text of the order.

Community:

  • Essential workers in the City of Stamford in need of childcare can contact Donna Arcuri, School Readiness Liaison at 203.977.4389 or at darcuri@stamfordct.gov. Interested childcare programs may also contact Ms. Arcuri for additional information.
  • The City of Stamford’s Department of Transportation, Traffic, and Parking would like to remind motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians of general safety tips as more residents walk around Stamford:
    • Motorists are advised to look out for pedestrians and bicyclists.
    • Motorists are advised to provide 3 feet of space when passing bicyclists.
    • Bicyclists are advised to ride in the street (not the sidewalk) and obey traffic laws (such as red lights).
    • Bicyclists are advised to ride WITH traffic.
    • Pedestrians are advised to walk FACING traffic.
    • Pedestrians are advised to maintain 6 feet of social distancing from other pedestrians.

Services:

  • Stamford’s Highways Department plans to continue its paving schedule (weather permitting). Residents are advised to move their cars for the duration of paving projects.
    • Paving projects this week include:
      • Reynolds Avenue. April 8th through April 10th.
    • Next week:
      • Borglum Street: April 13th through April 15th
      • Austin Avenue: April 15th through April 17th

School:

  • Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero released a statement addressing the Governor’s decision to extend school closures to May 20th, 2020.
  • Stamford Public Schools’ Grab and Go meals continue to be served during Spring Break this week.

Business:

  • Please note the “Business” subsection will be phased out soon. Businesses can sign up for weekly updates from Director of Economic Development Thomas Madden by emailing TMadden@stamfordct.gov.

 

Help Stamford

  • The City of Stamford is requesting donations of personal protective equipment from businesses or individuals.

State volunteering/donations:

  • Governor Lamont encourages residents across the state to sign up for volunteer opportunities through https://www.ct.gov/coronavirus.
  • Students and retired health care workers are encouraged to register for Connecticut’s CT Responds, a statewide volunteer management system.
  • Connecticut’s American Red Cross has requested residents consider donating blood.
  • Residents can donate to 4-CT, an independent nonprofit staffed by volunteers connecting and providing resources to organizations addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut.

Ongoing Information

All of the information below is available on the City of Stamford’s website (http://www.stamfordct.gov):

CDC Guidelines for social distancing and preventative measures

Below are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for protecting yourself from potential infection:

  • COVID-19 is spread through close contact. Coughing produces respiratory droplets that physically land on objects. These droplets can land on mouths or noses of a people who are nearby, and possibly inhaled into the lungs.
  • COVID-19 is most commonly spread person-to-person. Residents should limit gatherings to 5 people or fewer. Stamford residents are asked to advocate to their friends, family, and neighbors to follow social distancing guidelines.
    • Put distance between yourself and other people, six feet of space is recommended.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home if you are sick.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
    • If soap is not available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
    • If you are sick, wear a facemask when you are around other people.
    • If you are not sick, you do not need to wear a facemask. Facemasks prevent respiratory droplets from spreading. Facemasks are in short supply and should be saved for health workers and caregivers.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies taking measures to limit the number of individuals inside their business should be mindful they do not indirectly create a large crowd of waiting customers outside their business.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines recommending all residents wear cloth masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
    • The cloth face coverings recommended for the general public are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which should be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

Testing for COVID-19 in Stamford

Residents can all Stamford’s dedicated Testing Hotline at 1.833.508.8378 for information on testing availability in the Stamford area.

The City of Stamford refers individuals to the following four testing sites:

  • Westhill High School: Operated by City of Stamford’s Department of Health in collaboration with Stamford Health. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 1.833.508.8378.
  • Stamford Hospital on Bennett Medical Center Campus. Operated by Stamford Health. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 203.276.4111.
  • Cummings Park. Operated by Murphy Medical Associates. Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call 203.658.6051.
  • 2001 West Main Street. Operated by DOCS Urgent Care. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call 203.298.4600.

Do you have symptoms of COVID-19?:

  • Residents concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately call their primary care physician.
    • Symptoms include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.
    • Primary care physicians will make an assessment and prescribe testing if appropriate.
    • Residents with symptoms of COVID-19 should notify medical professionals before visiting health care institutions. Medical staff need to prepare personal protection equipment prior to examining patients.

Residents without a Primary Care Physician or Health Care Insurance:

  • Residents who DO NOT have Primary Care Physicians, but DO have health insurance, can contact their health insurance provider to obtain names of approved Primary Care Physicians to contact.
    • Stamford Health recommends residents call 1.877.233.9355 to receive a list of all physicians who can provide prescriptions of testing.
  • Residents who DO NOT have Primary Care Physicians OR health insurance may contact one of the following organizations:
    • Access Health CT: 855.365.2428. Only available through Thursday, April 17th.
    • Community Health Center of Stamford: 203.323.8160
    • Family Centers Health: 203.717.1760. Not accepting walk-ins.
    • Optimus Health Care: 203.327.5111
  • Stamford Health recommends residents call Stamford Health’s COVID-19 hotline: 203.276.4111.

Are more testing sites coming?

  • Mayor Martin said the City’s testing capacity demand could reach up to 10,000 tests per week. The three recommended testing sites (listed above) have a combined testing capacity of approximately 2,500 per week.
    • Mayor Martin announced the City was working with medical practitioners willing to open more testing sites to test all residents — including residents who still need health insurance.
    • Mayor Martin announced the City was pursuing streamlining the testing process so residents only need to call a single number to receive instructions on how to get tested and where.

COVID-19 Cases in Stamford & Connecticut:

Businesses, Services, and Organizations in Stamford impacted:

Businesses still open (must follow social distancing guidelines):

  • Gas stations.
  • Grocery stores.

Businesses must adhere to Safe Store Rules (by order of the Governor):

  • Occupancy, store layout, and managing customer flow:
    • Occupancy capped at 50 percent of store capacity. At entrance, staff will maintain a count of the number of customers entering and exiting stores.
    • Clearly mark 6 foot spacing in lines on floor at checkout lines and other high-traffic areas and, as much as practicable, provide ways to encourage 6 foot spacing in lines outside the store.
    • Post conspicuous signage and floor markings to direct customers and limit bottlenecks and/or encourage spacing and flow in high-density areas.
    • Have aisles be one-way in stores where practicable to maximize spacing between customers. Identify the one-way aisles with conspicuous signage and/or floor markings.
    • Maximize space between customers and employees at checkout lines, including, but not limited to, only using every other checkout line, where and when possible.
    • Install Plexiglas shields to separate employees from customers at checkout lines and other areas in the store where practicable.
  • General
    • Communicate with customers through in-store signage, and public service announcements and advertisements, there should only be one person per household during shopping trips, whenever possible.
    • Discontinue all self-serve foods (e.g., salad bar, olive bar) and product sampling.
    • Allow “touchless” credit card transactions. If not possible, sanitize credit card machines (including pen) regularly and consistently.
    • Cart and basket handles sanitized between uses (by staff).
    • Wherever possible, employees will wear gloves and face masks at all times that they are interacting with customers and/or handling products.
  • Additional rules, full list here:
    • Essential employees who are able to work from home SHOULD BE WORKING FROM HOME.
    • Distribute summaries of health insurance processes and procedures to employees.
    • Eliminate in-person meetings.
    • Workplaces with multiple shifts:
      • Wherever possible, utilize nights and weekends to spread out work schedules and provide for social distancing.
      • If possible, move from 1 or 2 shifts to 3 shifts. Keep each shift with the same people each day. That way, if a person on one shift becomes sick, workers on the other shifts are protected.
      • Provide time between each work shift to avoid overlap and allow for cleaning of the work environment at regular and appropriate intervals.
      • Staffer shift start/stop times, break times, and lunchtimes to minimize congregations at the time clock or break areas.
    • Wherever possible, segment the workplace into discrete zones. Prohibit employees from entering into zones where they are not required to perform their jobs.
    • Frequent cleaning of all touch points.
    • Reduce common touch points by opening internal doors where possible.
    • Employees who are ill should stay home.
    • Where possible, employees should take their temperature before they go to work. If they have a temperature above 100.4 Fahrenheit, they should stay home.
    • Make hand sanitizer available to employees who do not have ready access to soap and water.

Businesses and closed until further notice (some by order of the Governor):

  • All non-essential businesses.
  • All restaurants and bars.
    • Takeout and delivery options still available.
  • All gyms and movie theaters.
  • All amusement parks, bowling alleys, and indoor walkways for large shopping malls.
  • All body care facilities.
  • All City playgrounds, fields, and tennis courts.
    • All City golf courses will close Friday, April 10th.

Businesses closed, continuing to offer alternative services:

  • The Avon Theatre began its “online offerings,” providing access to the theatre’s programming online.
  • Stamford Partnership announced Stamford Dining Bonds, a program offering customers discounted gift certificates and a source of revenue for many food & beverage businesses closed for the duration of the state’s public health emergency.

Utility Services:

Food retail stores (grocery stores, supermarkets) & supply chains:

  • Several supermarkets announced morning hours will be reserved for elderly residents who are more at-risk for COVID-19 infections.
    • Cingari’s Grade A ShopRite Supermarkets in Stamford will reserve 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. for customers 65 and older.
    • Larocca’s Country Market) will reserve 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for customers 60 and older. Closed on Sunday,
    • Acme Markets will reserve 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday for customers 60 and older.
    • Stop and Shop Supermarkets will reserve 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for customers aged 60 and older.
  • Inventory at local food retail stores may be depleted due to high demand, however there is no reported supply chain shortage at this time.
  • Resident concerns about toilet paper:

Organizations and institutions (alphabetical):

  • Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy: Closed until May 20th.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Stamford: Closed until further notice.
  • Building One Community: The building will remain open.
    • Classes, group programs & events are canceled effective immediately for an indefinite amount of time.
  • Chelsea Piers: Closed until at least April 22nd.
  • Children’s Learning Center: Closed until May 20th.
  • Domestic Violence Crisis Center: Continues to provide services.
  • Fairfield Business Council announced it would shut down.
  • Family Centers: Continues to provide essential services to Stamford residents throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  • Ferguson Library: Closed until further notice.
  • Islamic Center of Stamford: Closed until further notice.
  • Italian Center: All group fitness, youth programs and group swim lessons are postponed until further notice.
  • King School: Closed until April 27th.
  • New Covenant Center: OPEN with contingency, grab-and-go meal service protocols in place.
    • Only staff and volunteers allowed into the facility. Lunch and dinner meals will be distributed on bagged or boxed meal-to-go basis.
    • Food pantry distribution will still go forth on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with a reduction on how many enlisted guests can shop at a time.
    • Individuals with day-of-shopping appointments will be checked-in and escorted to sit and wait in café area.
    • More ways to help: http://www.newcovenantcenter.org/
  • Schoke Jewish Family Services: Closed until further notice. Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry will remain open, providing pre-packaged bags available for pickup outside the building. Counseling services provided through telephone sessions.
  • Stamford Health: Stamford Hospital no longer allowing visitors to “protect the health and wellbeing of patients, staff, and community.”
    • Pediatric and NICU patients will be allowed 2 parent/guardian visitors.
    • Labor & Delivery patients will be allowed 1 designated support person.
  • Stamford Jewish Community Center: Closed until further notice. Offering programs and services online.
  • Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Closed to the public until further notice.
  • Stamford Police Department: All fingerprinting services provided will be temporarily suspended.
  • Stamford Public Schools: All schools will be closed through Wednesday, May 20th.
  • Stamford Senior Center: All Senior Center programs and activities suspended.
  • Stamford YMCA: Closed until further notice
  • Town Clerk’s Office: Appointment only (essential business only)
  • UConn Stamford: Campus closed until further notice, classes will be held online for the remainder of the semester.

City of Stamford services and ordinances:

City Departments:

  • Vital departments will continue operations, including:
    • Public Safety (Police Department, Fire Department).
    • 911 Communications.
    • Highways Department.
    • Recycling & Sanitation Department.
  • Stamford Government Center is closed to all visitors who do not have an appointment.
  • Boards and Commission meetings have received “procedural relief” due to Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7I and may:
    • Extend budget adoption deadlines
    • Suspend in-person requirements for various meetings/public hearings
    • The City of Stamford has used web conferencing for internal meetings since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency and may utilize online web conferencing for board, commission, and public hearing meetings when appropriate.
  • Board of Finance: Holding a special meeting on March 30th via webinar to discuss the budget process and plans for this year.
  • Board of Representatives: Fiscal Committee has delayed its budget hearings.
    • The Board of Representative’s Fiscal Committee has delayed their budget hearings.
  • Building Department:
  • Engineering Department:
    • All permit applications and payments must be submitted online.
    • Documents for plan review can be left in the drop-box located in the Government Center Lobby.
  • Highways Department:
    • Paving Schedule will continue, residents are advised to move their parked cars away from roads when they are scheduled to be paved:
      • Berges Avenue: April 6th to April 8th
      • Reynolds Avenue: April 8th through April 10th
      • Borglum Street: April 13th through April 15th
      • Austin Avenue: April 15th through April 17th
      • Duncanson Street: April 20th through April 22nd
      • Travis Avenue: April 22nd through April 24th.
    • Land Use Department:
    • Stamford Police Department’s Records Room is closed to the public until further notice.
    • Recycling and Sanitation Department:
      • Scale House and Katrina Mygatt Recycling Center continue to follow their normal schedule.
      • Recycling textiles program (pink bags) is suspended until further notice.
        • Residents can still recycle textiles at Katrina Mygatt Recycling Center.
        • Residents can drop off textiles in white “textile recycling” bins located at:
          • Davenport Ridge Elementary School, 1300 Newfield Avenue
          • Northeast Elementary School, 82 Scofieldtown Road
          • Strawberry Hill School, 200 Strawberry Hill Avenue
          • Rippowam Middle School, 381 High Ridge Road
          • Toquam Magnet Elementary School, 123 Ridgewood Avenue
        • The Department of Recycling and sanitation asks residents to hold onto paint supplies as Sherwin Williams has temporarily stopped accepting paint for recycling.
        • Waste that is suspected to be contaminated with COVID-19 does not require precautions beyond those already used to protect workers from hazards they encounter during their routine job tasks in solid waste and wastewater management.
      • Recreation Department:
      • Stamford’s Tax Assessor’s Office’s:
      • Stamford’s Town Clerk’s Office:

City ordinances / Mayoral orders:

  • Activities of five or more people at City parks and fields are prohibited.
    • This includes contact sports, group activities, and any event or outing with five or more people.
    • Mayor Martin released a video explaining the City’s motivation to keep parks open at this time.
  • The City of Stamford has suspended pay-to-park requirements for all City metered parking spaces until further notice.
  • The City of Stamford’s 120-hour parking violation has been suspended until further notice.
  • The City of Stamford’s plastic bag ordinance is suspended until further notice.
  • Mayor David Martin signed two executive orders:

State of Connecticut services and actions impacting Stamford:

Corrections of misinformation and rumors:

Assistance available for residents

Residents who are unemployed, cannot pay rent/mortgage, or witness price-gouging:

Low-income residents:

  • Person-to-Person Food assistance. Groceries and fresh produce, protein, and dairy are available to residents with income below 235% Federal Poverty Guidelines, or employees furloughed due to COVID-19.
    • Please call 203.655.0048 to make an appointment.
    • Visit https://p2phelps.org/ for more information.
    • Stamford’s location is 425 Fairfield Avenue, Building 1, Suite 111, Stamford, CT 06902.
    • Person-to-Person on Wheels mobile pantry serves Stamford neighborhoods with fresh produce, protein, dairy, tuna, beans, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, soups, fruits & vegetables, pasta, and rice. The mobile pantry is available at the following times and neighborhoods:
      • Mondays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Yerwood Boys & Girls Club, 90 Fairfield Avenue.
      • Mondays, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Stamford Manor, 26 Main Street.
      • Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ferguson Library South End, 34 Woodland Avenue.
      • Tuesdays, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Shippan Place, 521 Shippan Avenue.
      • Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Domus, 83 Lockwood Avenue.
      • Thursdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Building One Community, 75 Selleck Street.
    • Person-to-Person Emergency Financial Assistance: Caseworkers meet with clients to determine eligibility for emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposits, utilities, and small emergency expenses. Residents can call 203.655.0048.

Senior residents:

  • Stamford-based SilverSource provides resources to seniors. Stamford seniors — or individuals interested in volunteering — can contact 203.324.6584. Resources include:
    • Individual Assistance & Emergency Support: Serving seniors in need of housing stability or healthcare needs. Social work consultations are taken by phone.
    • Prescription Deliveries: Seniors currently on the prescription program will continue to receive medications with the support of pharmacy delivery services.
    • Grocery Deliveries: SilverSource has set up pop-up food pantry/distribution centers to support homebound seniors with grocery deliveries. Volunteers and staff make front door drop-offs and utilize delivery services.
    • Medical Transportation: SilverSource continues to provide free transportation to essential medical appointments. A rigorous wipe-down is done of the transport vehicle between each passenger trip.
    • Senior Wellness Check-ins: Staff and volunteers connect with older clients by phone to ensure they are well and reduce isolation.

Miscellaneous:

  • Nonprofits who have a client that: 1) Uses one of the health clinics as his/her medical home 2) Does not have a primary care physician 3) Needs to be tested for COVID-19, and 4) Is unable to negotiate the internal process at the clinic…
    • Please call Maria Millan at 203.977.5676 and provide all relevant information.
    • Clients will be provided with a waiver enabling someone else to represent him/her in securing a test or securing medical information used to support a decision not to test.

Governor’s executive orders & other state actions affecting Stamford:

  • Governor Lamont signed an executive order March 26th directing several actions:
    • All gatherings are restricted to no more than 5 people.
    • Eating establishments (such as restaurants) must limit entrance of guests to the minimum extent necessary. Also requires touchless payment at these establishments if possible.
    • All retail establishments must ensure customers maintain 6 feet of distance between each other. Also requires touchless payment at these establishments if possible.
    • All retail businesses that sell firearms, ammunition, or similar components to conduct transactions by appointment only in order to limit as much person-to-person contact as possible.
    • Suspends tax on single-use plastic bags.
    • Prohibits operators of grocery stores or retail businesses from forcing their employees to bag items into customer-provided reusable bags.
    • Suspends 21-month limit on Temporary Family Assistance.
    • Waives all annual student assessment test requirements for current school year
    • Full text of the executive order is found here.
  • Governor Lamont announced an agreement with 50 credit unions and banks in Connecticut to offer mortgage relief to residents and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating institutions will be listed on Connecticut’s Department of Banking website. Relief measures include:
    • 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments, allowing homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. Additionally, institutions will:
      • Provide a streamlined process for requesting forbearance for COVID-19 related reasons, supported with available documentation.
      • Confirm approval and terms of forbearance program; and
      • Provide the opportunity to extend forbearance agreements if face with continued hardship resulting from COVID-19.
    • Relief from fees and charges for 90 days.
    • No new foreclosures for 60 days.
    • No credit score changes for accessing relief.
  • Governor Lamont announced measures supporting long-term care facilities, staff, and residents, including:
    • The state’s 213 nursing homes are receiving 10 percent across the board increase in Medicaid payments.
    • Long-term facilities that propose to be designated by the Department of Public Health specialize in care for residents with COVID-19 will be eligible for $600 per-day payments for each person served.
    • The state will make the same $600 per-day payments to facilities designated by the Department of Public Health as suitable to be re-opened for the purpose of serving residents with COVID-19 and who need nursing home level of care.
    • More details.

Federal bills & legislation relating to COVID-19:

  • President Donald Trump signed into law the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (“CARES Act”) on March 27th.
    • Analysis of the bill available through:
    • The U.S. House of Representatives passed the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” or the “CARES Act.” The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Stamford Public Schools:

  • All Stamford Public Schools are closed until Wednesday, May 20th by order of Governor Lamont.
  • Stamford Public Schools will continue to provide grab-and-go meals from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to anyone 18 and under. Residents can pick up their meal from any of the following locations:
    • All locations serving Grab-and-Go meals operate on a three-day schedule:
      • Monday: two breakfasts, two lunches per student.
      • Wednesday: two breakfasts, two lunches per student.
      • Friday: three breakfasts, three lunches per student.
    • Elementary Schools:
      • Hart Magnet, 61 Adams Avenue.
      • Julia A. Stark, 398 Glenbrook Road.
      • T. Murphy, 19 Horton Street.
      • Newfield, 345 Pepper Ridge Road.
      • Northeast, 82 Scofieldtown Road.
      • Rogers International School, 202 Blachley Road.
      • Roxbury, 751 West Hill Road.
      • Springdale, 1127 Hope Street.
      • Stillmeadow, 800 Stillwater Road.
      • Strawberry Hill, 200 Strawberry Hill Avenue.
      • Westover Magnet, 1 Elmcroft Road.
    • Middle Schools:
      • Dolan, 51 Toms Road.
      • Rippowam, 381 High Ridge Road.
    • Community-based Organizations and Programs:
      • Anchor at Harbor Landing, 68 Southfield Avenue.
      • Yerwood Center, 90 Fairfield Avenue.
      • Chester Addison Center, 245 Selleck Street.
      • Trailblazer (Domus), 83 Lockwood Avenue.
    • Connecticut’s standardized testing requirements are suspended, following the federal government’s announcement on Friday allowing school testing to be canceled or postponed.
      • This includes Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) and School Day Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
      • Advanced Placement (AP) exams will be available online.

Resources for Businesses:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have provided information specifically for businesses.

Dates and deadlines impacted:

Information on conference calling:

  • The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has warned of “Zoom-bombing,” the act of unassociated individuals hijacking and disrupting teleconferences. The FBI recommended the following preventative measures:
    • Do not make meetings or classrooms public.
    • Require a password for your meeting or use the “waiting room” feature to control admittance of guests.
    • Do not share a link to a teleconference or classroom publicly or through social media. Provide links directly to specific individuals.
    • Manage screensharing options so only the “host” of the call can share their screen.
    • Ensure all participants have the latest version of Zoom. Zoom updated its software in January 2020 with increased security provisions.
    • Victims of “zoom-bombing” can submit a report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at: https://www.ic3.gov/

City of Stamford Contact Information / Frequently Asked Questions

  • Questions relating to COVID-19 testing, infections, and quarantine: City of Stamford’s Department of Health at 203.977.4398 (after work hours call 211) or stamfordDIRHLTH@stamfordct.gov.
  • Questions relating to environmental cleaning or personal protective equipment: Director of Lab James Federici at 203.977.4378 or jfederici@stamfordct.gov.
  • Questions relating to schools and daycares: Nursing Supervisor Pat Caldwell at 203.977.4370 or pcaldwell@stamfordct.gov.
  • Questions relating to restaurants, hotels, motels, rooming houses, or pools: Environmental Inspector Gail McRae at 203.977.5122 or gmcrae@stamfordct.gov.
  • Questions from the press: City spokesperson Arthur Augustyn at 203.977.5115 or aaugustyn@stamfordct.gov.
  • Questions from business owners: Director of Economic Development Thomas Madden or tmadden@stamfordct.gov.
  • Questions about food distribution or food insecurity: Director of Social Services Ellen Bromley at 203.977.4112 or ebromley@stamfordct.gov.
  • City of Stamford’s pre-recorded COVID-19 hotline: 203.977.8840.
  • All other questions: Department of Health at 203.977.4398 or StamfordDIRHLTH@stamfordct.gov.
  • Other contact information:
    • State of Connecticut’s COVID-19 information hotline: dial 211.
    • Stamford Health’s COVID-19 hotline: 203.276.4111.

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