City of Stamford updates on coronavirus situation 05/04/2020

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

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

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.
  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 (DPH) is transitioning to a new process to make the daily collection of data more sustainable. To facilitate this shift, the report issued on May 3rd only contained data on statewide hospitalizations and fatalities. Today’s report may be late. Residents can visit this link for new updates.
    • According to the most recent report — last updated at 6:00 p.m. on May 2nd — Stamford has 2,491 confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared to 2,460 confirmed cases on May 1st.
    • Connecticut’s DPH provides an interactive dashboard tracking cases and deaths across the entire state. According to this resource, Stamford has 142 reported deaths attributed to COVID-19 cases.
    • Connecticut’s DPH provides information on reported cases in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This data is updated weekly and is hosted on the City of Stamford’s website.

Major:

  • Governor Ned Lamont announced today an expansion of SkillUp CT — a portal that provides recipients of unemployment insurance free online learning licenses. This expansion will include recipients who have been impacted by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 public health crisis.
    • SkillUp CT is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a computer.
    • Originally launched in eastern Connecticut, SkillUp CT provides over 5,000 online Skillsoft courses in areas such as information technology, business analysis, customer service, project management, and digital literacy, among others.
    • SkillUp CT offers training tracks leading to over 100 industry certifications and provides career coaching through Connecticut’s workforce boards.

Community:

  • Today is the last day residents who are artists can apply for grant programs provided by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development.
  • Stamford’s Board of Finance will host a special budget meeting tonight, Monday, May 4th, at 7 p.m. Residents can attend this meeting by

Services:

  • No recent updates.

School:

  • Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero announced — in recognition of the impact of the more than $65 million projected financial decrease in revenue that  COVID-19 pandemic will have on the City of Stamford — the superintendent and members of her cabinet will voluntarily forgo pay increases for the next two years (fiscal year 2020-2021, and fiscal year 2021-2022).
    • Superintendent Lucero issued the following statement: “My team and I recognize that our school community has been gravely impacted by the coronavirus epidemic, and we all must share in reducing the final impact it has on the Stamford community long term.”
  • Stamford Public Schools put together a short video recognizing teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week this week.

Help Stamford

All information about how to help Stamford during the COVID-19 public health emergency can be found at https://www.stamfordct.gov/office-of-the-mayor/pages/give-help.

Volunteer

  • The City of Stamford maintains a volunteer signup sheet for future volunteer opportunities.
  • Stamford Together, a citywide volunteer program to help support emergency response efforts related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Volunteers can contribute to five major initiatives (click each title to sign up):
    • Testing Site Volunteer Program: As the City launches more testing sites, volunteers are needed to keep these sites functional.
    • Resident Delivery Program: Volunteer drivers are needed to provide delivery services to quarantined members of our community.
    • Stamford Citizen Services Corp: A combination of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).
      • The Community Emergency Response Team is a program that provides a consistent nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.
      • The Medical Reserve Corps is a national network of medical and public health professionals who assist emergency response during public health emergencies.
    • Homemade Mask Production: Masks produced by volunteers will be picked up by a delivery driver through a partnership with local dry-cleaning service providers. Masks will be cleaned and disinfected then distributed to the community.
    • Volunteer spots for Grab and Go Meals and Senior Outreach have been completely filled.
  • Students and retired health care workers are encouraged to register for Connecticut’s CT Responds, a statewide volunteer management system.

Donate

  • The City of Stamford is requesting donations of personal protective equipment from businesses or individuals.
    • If you wish to donate to the City, please contact Jim Federici at JFederici@stamfordct.gov or call 203.977.4378 (office line). The City needs a variety of equipment, including but not limited to:
      • N95 masks
      • Surgical masks
      • Gloves
      • Isolation gowns
      • Face shields
    • Stamford Health is looking for donations for the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund as well as food donations for medical personnel. Individuals or businesses can also donate packaged supplies.
    • 4-CT is an independent nonprofit staffed by volunteers connecting and providing resources to organizations addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut. Residents can donate here.
    • American Red Cross has requested residents consider donating blood. Residents can look up a local chapter or search by zip code.
    • Building One Community compiled an Amazon wish list for essential items needed for the community, including detergent, soap, and more.
    • DOMUS provides much-needed aide to Stamford families who are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents can donate directly, or purchase items from their Amazon wish list.
    • Family Centers of Stamford provides services and programs to support children, adolescents, and families in Stamford. Residents can donate to their Emergency Client Assistance Fund.
    • The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County is requesting food or monetary donations to ensure families have access to food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Inspirica is a nonprofit that aims to break the cycle of homelessness and continues to provide services during this time. Residents can donate through this link.
    • Pacific House is a nonprofit providing supplies and shelter for the homeless population in Stamford. Residents can donate to Pacific House through this form.
    • Person to Person provides individuals and families with access to basic needs and resources. Residents can make a monetary donation or food/gift card donations.
    • Silversource is a Stamford-based nonprofit providing resources to seniors in need of assistance. Residents can donate here.
    • Stamford Public Education Foundation’s Home Work Helpers is seeking volunteers 18 and older to work with Stamford Public School students to help with school work. Residents interested in volunteering can fill out this form.
    • Stamford Senior Center is ensuring members have access to food, medications, and other necessities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents can donate here.
    • United Way of Western Connecticut’s ALICE Emergency Fund expands the ability of individuals and families to purchase fresh produce through the Health Savings Program. Participants of the program receive $20 worth of fresh produce a week for six weeks. Residents can donate here.

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.
    • 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.
    • Governor Lamont signed an executive order requiring any person in a public place in Connecticut who is unable or does not maintain a safe social distance of approximately six feet shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering.

 

Testing for COVID-19 in Stamford

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

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:
    • 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.

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.

State of Connecticut testing sites:

  • Governor Ned Lamont announced a partnership with CVS Health to provide free rapid COVID-19 testing to eligible Connecticut residents. The state also announced the first rapid-testing site at 60 Sargent Drive in New Haven — the former Gateway Community College campus.
    • This testing center uses Abbot ID NOW Covid-19 testing.
    • Residents must register online and schedule a timeslot prior to arriving to the test site. Anyone who does not have an appointment will not be tested. Appointments can be scheduled up to two days in advance.
    • Testing will not take place at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations.
    • Patients are required to remain in their vehicle once they arrive.
    • Testing process takes approximately 30 minutes from collection of the swab to delivery of results.
    • Testing is available at no charge to the public.

The City of Stamford is testing asymptomatic emergency response providers:

  • Mayor David Martin announced on April 21st over 300 of Stamford’s emergency response providers were tested for COVID-19, including Stamford’s Police Department, Fire Department, Stamford Emergency Medical Services, 911 Communications, and Department of Health nurses at testing sites. These individuals were not presenting with symptoms (“asymptomatic”).
    • Emergency response providers were given nasopharyngeal tests (“nasal swabs”) provided by DOCS Urgent Care and Murphy Medical Associates. Test results are provided by Quest Diagnostics and Sema4 Labs.
    • As more testing capacity becomes available, the City intends to expand its asymptomatic testing program to essential workers at nursing homes and senior living facilities.
  • Mayor David Martin announced today the City has made arrangements to test asymptomatic healthcare workers at nursing homes through Stamford.

Supply Distribution

Masks

Isolation Housing

  • Mayor David Martin announced the City of Stamford has partnered with UConn Stamford to provide housing for individuals who require isolation but cannot safely isolate in their homes.
    • Residents who wish to receive housing must:
      • Receive a recommendation for isolation from a medical professional, such as a primary care physician, testing site healthcare official, or hospital care team.
      • Apply for housing at UConn’s residence hall. Residents who show up to the residence hall without applying beforehand cannot receive housing.
      • Receive verification of eligibility from the City’s Department of Health. If the Department of Health determines an individual can isolate within their own household they cannot receive housing.

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.
  • Marinas and boatyards. City’s policy available here.

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 and fields.
  • All public swimming pools.

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 May 20th.
  • Children’s Learning Center: Closed until May 26
    • Palmer’s Hill facility under the Project 26 program to serve the children of Stamford Health’s healthcare workers will remain open.
  • Connecticut Legal Services: Continues to provide services at 203.348.9216. Physical office remains closed to the public.
  • 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.
    • Requested residents do not leave book donations at the Main Library or Harry Bennett Branch as they cannot be safely processed at this time.
    • All due dates on materials and expiring library cards will be renewed until May 30th. All fines are waived during this period.
  • 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 May 20th.
  • 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:
      • Beach Stickers are available for purchase online or by mail, residents cannot purchase beach permits at the Government Center for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.
    • For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, Person-to-Person will operate:
      • Mondays and Tuesdays
        Yerwood Center Gymnasium
        90 Fairfield Avenue
        10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
      • Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
        DOMUS Kids
        83 Lockwood Avenue

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Home delivery available by request.
  • Person-to-Person on Wheels mobile pantry has been suspended to increase social distancing measures. Residents can refer to the above locations for services.
  • 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:

  • Any violations of executive orders can file a complaintto Attorney General William Tong’s Office.
  • 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. Governor Lamont has since expanded funding for this support.
    • The state’s 215 nursing homes are receiving 15 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.
  • Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order with a variety of directives related to rent and extending closures to May 20th. Please read the full order for specifics on each item:
    • Automatic 60-day grace period for April rent.
    • 60-day grace period for May rent, upon request.
    • 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.
    • More orders listed in the full text of the order.
  • Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order requiring any person in a public place in Connecticut who is unable or does not maintain a safe social distance of approximately six feet shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering.
    • Exceptions are made for individuals “for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety,” including medical conditions, anyone under the age of 2 years old, and parents or guardians who cannot safely place a mask on a child’s face.
    • “This order shall supersede and preempt any current or future municipal order.”

Federal bills & legislation relating to COVID-19:

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, and one dinner meal per child 18 or younger.
      • Wednesday: two breakfasts, two lunches, and one dinner meal per child 18 or younger.
      • Friday: three breakfasts, and three lunches per child 18 or younger.
    • Elementary Schools:
      • Hart Magnet, 61 Adams Avenue.
      • Julia A. Stark, 398 Glenbrook Road.
      • T. Murphy, 19 Horton Street.
      • Rogers International School, 202 Blachley Road.
      • Stillmeadow, 800 Stillwater Road.
      • Strawberry Hill, 200 Strawberry Hill Avenue.
    • Middle Schools:
      • Cloonan 11 West North Street.
      • 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.
    • The following Grab and Go locations are operational from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
      • Chester Addison Center, 245 Selleck Street.
      • Trailblazer (Domus), 83 Lockwood Avenue.
      • Building One Community, 75 Selleck Street.
    • 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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