Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.
As the spread of COVID-19 is seemingly relentless and unforgiving, the time has come to make some temporary changes in how we operate here in Town.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 9, all visitors and Town employees will be required to wear a face mask in Town facilities, regardless of vaccine status. We are open for business and are making this change for the health and safety of you and our dedicated employees who continue to provide the essential services you need every day.
The Executive Order issued by the governor on Thursday, also provides local officials to impose mandatory mask protocols for indoor public places. At this time, I am not making that mandate. I strongly recommend that masks be worn in public indoor spaces when social distancing isn’t possible.
I have reconvened the weekly meetings of my Emergency Operations Committee as we continue to monitor monitoring the infection rates in Town.
As of today, the Greenwich Health Department reports 5,300 residents have tested positive for COVID-19. That number represents an increase of 54 new cases since July 30. The Greenwich Health Department is tracking 59 active cases in Town – an increase of 11 cases from a week ago.
Today, Greenwich Hospital has eight COVID-positive patients, one of whom is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit and is on a ventilator.
Fortunately, the number of residents who have died from COVID remains unchanged – as it has for 13 weeks - at 89.
In addition to wearing a mask, medical experts continue to stress that vaccination is the defense against this virus. As of Aug. 4, 69.11 percent of residents have received an initial vaccine dose with 64. 12 percent of residents who are fully vaccinated, according to state statistics. Greenwich is in the top tier for vaccination rates around the state. Thank you!
Vaccine and testing information:
Locations of vaccine providers and how to contact them can be found here.
For homebound residents, the Family Health Division of the Health Department can provide assistance. Residents should contact their physician to request that a doctor’s order for a vaccine shot is forwarded to the Health Department. Doctors can contact the Family Health Division by calling 203-622-6495.
Testing information:
- Greenwich Hospital and the Yale New Haven Health system can be found here.
- Community Health Center can be found here.
- Family Centers at Wilbur Peck Court can be found here.
Update on The Nathaniel Witherell visitation
The Nathaniel Witherell nursing home report that indoor visitation remains suspended, except for patients receiving compassionate care. This week, there are three active cases involving staff and one involving a resident. Three of the four cases were fully vaccinated. All four are in quarantine.
Outdoor and POD visits will continue until further notice. Please refer to the TNW website for the complete TNW visitation policy.
All staff and residents, vaccinated and unvaccinated are being tested twice a week.
Ferry service returns
The Islander II was returned to service today, Aug. 6. The ferry schedule for both Great Captain Island and Island Beach can be found here. In the event of inclement weather, please call the ferry information hotline at 203-618-7672.
Got your permit?
The Town of Greenwich has sold more than 6,900 Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility entrance permits. If you haven’t already purchased a permit – please order it online, HERE. To help staff and ensure the traffic will flow more smoothly, we kindly ask residents prominently display their permit when visiting the facility.
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Stay safe and please remember the four W’s: wear a mask, wash your hands, watch your distance and wipe down surfaces.
All the best,
Fred
