City of Stamford updates on coronavirus situation 03/27/2020

By City of Stamford | Posted by
CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM

The City of Stamford updated residents through it’s daily newsletter released every evening.

“I don’t want anyone to get scared or fearful that, if they have this, that will happen to them,”

– Chris Tillett, first Connecticut resident to test positive for COVID-19

Source: Stamford Advocate

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.

Reader Survey:

This newsletter may be changing soon based on reader feedback. Please fill out this 10-question survey to help the City better understand how residents use this newsletter. Thanks!

This newsletter is compiled into five sections. Each section is generally divided into two parts 1) Recent updates, new information posted in the past 24 hours and 2) Ongoing Information, information previously shared in this newsletter that continues to be relevant:

  • †Major: Developments impacting all sectors
  • †Community: Developments impacting Stamford residents.
  • †Business: Developments impacting Stamford businesses and business owners.
  • Services: Developments and closures impacting services provided to Stamford residents including: City services, utility services, nonprofit services, etc.

As well as a “Help Stamford’s Community” section for residents who want to donate their time or supplies.

  • School: Developments impacting students, teachers, staff, or residents who rely on services provided by Stamford Public Schools.

† Denotes today’s newsletter has recent updates posted in this section.

All of this information and more — including situation updates from previous days, contact information for health officials, etc. — can be found on the City of Stamford’s website at http://www.stamfordct.gov/covid19. Residents can also follow the City of Stamford’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for periodic updates. At the bottom of this newsletter is a comprehensive list of contact information for frequently asked questions.

Major Updates

Recent updates:

  • Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order Thursday night 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.
  • 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.

Ongoing information:

  • All information about the City of Stamford’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency can be found at http://www.stamfordct.gov/covid19
  • A list of services, businesses, and organizations affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency is available under the “Services” section of this newsletter.
  • The City of Stamford would like to remind residents of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for protecting yourself from potential infection:
  • Mayor Martin said the City’s testing capacity demand could reach up to 10,000 tests per week. Currently, the three sites recommended sites (see: Community, Ongoing Information) 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 had to call a single number to receive instructions on how to get tested and where.
  • Connecticut’s Department of Health released a live COVID-19 dashboard tracking COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across the state.
  • Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill announced Connecticut’s presidential primaries would be moved from April 28th to June 2nd.
  • The State of Connecticut has advised residents to be wary of false rumors. Below are corrections to frequently shared misinformation:

Community Updates

Recent updates:

  • Residents are reminded to follow social distancing and adhere to closures of City playgrounds, fields, and basketball courts. The City of Stamford continues to receive reports of group activities, including recreational sports and group exercise. The City will consider closing all parks if residents continue to organize gatherings of 5 or more people.

Ongoing information:

  • The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated webpage for updates on the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  • Access Health Connecticut — the state’s official healthcare marketplace — is now enrolling residents for healthcare coverage. This special enrollment period ends April 2nd. Connecticut residents can call 855.365.2428 to sign up for healthcare coverage.
  • Available testing for COVID-19 (all sites require an appointment):
    • 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.
    • Stamford Hospital on Bennett Medical Center Campus. Operated by Stamford Health. Open Monday through Friday, 8a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 203.276.4111.
    • 2001 West Main Street. Operated by DOCS Urgent Care. Opening by the end of next week (March 27th). Schedule an appointment online or call 203.298.4600.
    • 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 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:
      • Optimus Health Care: 203.327.5111
      • Community Health Center of Stamford: 203.323.8160
      • Americares: 203.658.9500. Not accepting new patients.
      • Family Centers Health: 203.717.1760. Not accepting walk-ins.
      • Access Health CT: 855.365.2428. Only available through Thursday, April 2nd.
    • Stamford Health recommends residents call Stamford Health’s COVID-19 hotline: 203.276.4111.
  • The City is actively pursuing more testing options for Stamford residents:
    • Independent testing sites may be available throughout Stamford. Connecticut’s Department of Public Health provides licenses to medical practitioners to conduct testing. These practitioners are not required to notify — or “register” — with the City of Stamford to operate testing sites.
  • Stamford Health announced Stamford Hospital is 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.
  • Residents who are recently out-of-work as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency can apply for unemployment benefits with the State of Connecticut.
  • Legal actions enforcing evictions or foreclosures have effectively been put on hold until May 1, 2020.
  • Attorney General William Tong reminded residents to submit complaints of price-gouging directly to his office.
  • Stamford’s Board of Finance will hold a special meeting on March 30th via webinar to discuss the budget process and plans for this year.
    • The Board of Representative’s Fiscal Committee has delayed their budget 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.
  • Inventory at local food retail stores may have been depleted due to higher demand, but at this time store owners anticipate restocks of their inventory in the coming days.

Business Updates

Recent updates:

Ongoing information:

Services Updates

Recent Updates:

  • List of closed organizations, institutions, and businesses (below) has been updated to reflect new dates and additional closures.

Ongoing information:

  • The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated page for closures and services affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  • The following businesses are STILL OPEN:
    • Gas stations.
    • Grocery stores.
    • Pharmacies
  • The following businesses have been closed until further notice:
  • The following City services have be affected by COVID-19:
    • The City of Stamford’s plastic bag ordinance is suspended until further notice.
    • Stamford Government Center is closed to all visitors who do not have an appointment.
    • Vital departments will continue operations, including: Public Safety (Police, Fire), 911 Communications, Highways Department, and Recycling & Sanitation Department.
    • Building Department: Emergency protocol available on the department’s webpage.
    • 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.
    • Land Use Department: General information available on the department’s webpage.
    • Recycling and Sanitation Department:
    • Recreation Department: Several indoor public facilities closed and events canceled, however some outdoor Spring programs are still open for registration (planned for May/June). Full list on the Recreation Department’s website.
    • Activities of 10 or more people at City parks and fields are prohibited. City staff will post clear signage at parks and fields.
      • Residents must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by reducing contact with other individuals. This includes canceling sports, group activities, and avoiding any event or outing with 10 or more people.
    • 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.
    • Stamford’s Town Clerk’s Office is providing free internet access to land records data for the duration of the public health emergency.
    • Stamford’s Tax Assessor’s Office’s Elderly and Totally Disabled Homeowner programs will not require appointments for the duration of this public health emergency.
    • Stamford Police Department’s Records Room is closed to the public until further notice.
    • 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 following State services have been affected by COVID-19:
    • The following utilities have been affected by COVID-19:
      • Eversource (electric):
      • Aquarion (water):
      • Altice USA (internet):
      • The following is an alphabetical list of organizations, institutions, and businesses impacted by COVID-19:
        • Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy: Closed until Monday, March 30th.
        • 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 Tuesday, March 31.
        • Children’s Learning Center: Closed until April 10th.
        • 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: Contingency meal service protocols in place. Café temporarily closed to the public.
          • 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.
        • 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 Jewish Community Center: Closed until further notice.
        • 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 Friday, April 10th.
        • 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.
      • 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.
        • Laroccas Supermarket will reserve 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for customers 60 and older.
        • 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.
      • The following is a list of services available for 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.
        • 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.

Help Stamford’s community:

School Updates

Recent updates:

  • Residents are reminded the following schools will no longer serve Grab-and-Go meals as of today, Friday, March 27th:
    • Cloonan Middle School
    • Stamford High School
    • Families may go to any other school for Grab-and-Go Meals.

Ongoing information:

  • The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated webpage for updates about Stamford Public Schools.
  • 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.
  • All Stamford Public Schools are closed until Monday, April 20th by order of Governor Ned 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 will switch to a three-day schedule beginning on Monday, March 30th:
      • Monday: two breakfasts, two lunches per student.
      • Wednesday: two breakfasts, two lunches per student.
      • Friday: three breakfasts, three lunches per student.
    • Elementary Schools:
      • Davenport Ridge, 1300 Newfield Avenue.
      • 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, 381High Ridge Road.
    • Community-based Organizations and Programs:
      • Stamford Public Schools Anchor at Harbor Landing, 68 Southfield Avenue.
      • Yerwood Center, 90 Fairfield Avenue.
      • Chester Addison Center, 245 Selleck Street.
      • Trailblazer (Domus), 83 Lockwood Avenue.
      • Faith Tabernacle Church, 29 Grove Street.

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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