March 10, 2020 COVID-19 UPDATE
Dear Trumbull Residents:
This is an update on the COVID-19 virus. As you may know, yesterday a second Connecticut resident tested positive for COVID-19 and is being treated at Bridgeport Hospital. Today Governor Lamont declared civil preparedness and public health emergencies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These emergency declarations mean that the governor has the authority to take actions necessary to protect the safety and health of Connecticut residents, including temporarily suspending certain state laws and regulations. The Town of Trumbull, in addition to other municipalities, is providing the Governor’s Office with specific recommendations about statutes and regulations that should be suspended or modified.
One immediate impact of these declarations is that some residents and businesses whose travel has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak may be able to benefit from travel insurance and related coverage. Those impacted are urged to check the terms of their specific policy. Other impacts include triggering state statutes that prohibit profiteering during emergencies, and granting emergency powers to municipal leaders to mitigate disasters and emergencies.
Updated testing data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health State Laboratory is posted on the state website at ct.gov/coronavirus.
The Town continues to monitor and prepare responses to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Town’s health and public safety and medical personnel have been and are prepared for medical emergencies. Additional proactive measures have been taken, including additional meetings and coordination with the Trumbull Health Department, Trumbull Emergency Management, Trumbull Board of Education and other Town Officials.
We are following guidance from Governor Lamont’s office issued on March 9, asking residents to limit their attendance at mass gatherings of a hundred or more people. In the near future, the town will be issuing further information on cancellation or postponement of town events that are considered mass gatherings in order to protect the health and safety of our residents.
Social distancing protocols have been developed and we request that staff and residents use them. Social distancing means you maintain a greater than normal distance between yourself and others. Six feet is ideal, while three feet is recommended as a minimal distance.
We request the public’s cooperation when visiting a town building. Town Hall is equipped with hand sanitizers and we ask staff and members of the public to use it. Staff and residents are reminded to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating, after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose. If you are ill, please delay visiting town buildings until your symptoms go away, and contact your medical provider.
Please check the Trumbull Public Schools website, trumbullps.org, for additional information from the Superintendent regarding decisions for school-related programs.
The State has implemented a coronavirus hotline for general questions. Call 211 or text “CTCOVID” to 898211.
We encourage residents to visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/ and the State’s special coronavirus website: ct.gov/coronavirus. Both sites are being continuously updated, so please periodically check back. In addition, more information can be found at our Town website within the Trumbull Health Department section.
The Town of Trumbull will continue to meet with Emergency Management, Health Department and other Town Officials to gather feedback from staff, community partners, and stakeholders to improve plans and ensure the continuity of Town services. We are committed to protecting the safety and health of all Trumbull residents and will continue to work diligently to provide essential town services.
Sincerely,
Vicki A. Tesoro
Trumbull First Selectman