A map of the expected storm surge from Tropical Storm Henri which will arrive in Connecticut this weekend.
Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.
As the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread unabated, I have issued an order today, August 20 regarding universal masking in an attempt to mitigate the spread.
I believe it is a small inconvenience to make this minor, temporary adjustment to our daily lives. Wearing a mask when in common areas indoors in a public facility or a business, office, store or restaurant will go a long way to protect the health and safety of your co-workers, neighbors, and most importantly, you and your family.
The Governor’s Executive Order No. 13A provides municipal leaders with the an option of requiring masks or face coverings in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.
These temporary measures are designed to prevent a return to the constant cancellations of events and closures of businesses and various facilities last year. The mask requirement is effective immediately with enforcement to begin Monday, August 23.
“The delta variant is highly contagious, similar to the chicken pox,” said Health Director Caroline Baisley. “We are seeing an increase in cases within families with children who are unable to be vaccinated. It spreads through the family but the vaccinated family members are reporting mild symptoms.” Ms. Baisley added, “We know masking works. We know social distancing works.”
Diane Kelly, president of Greenwich Hospital, said, “At our hospital and throughout our health system, we wear masks at all times and I applaud First Selectman Camillo’s decision to require masking in Greenwich. We also encourage our community to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
As of today, August 20, there have been 5,421 residents who have tested positive for COVID. This number represents 24 new cases since Tuesday, August 17. Currently, our Health Department is tracking 77 active cases in Town.
I also announced today that all Town employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than September 27, the same deadline that has been imposed upon all nursing home staff, state employees, and all staff in public and private K-12 schools statewide. The Town will use Executive Order No. 13D as template for vaccination verification, exemption and testing. Additional details will be shared with Town employees shortly.
Those who choose not to receive a vaccination will be required to be tested weekly.
Effective Monday, August 23, employees and visitors to Town facilities – including Town Hall – are reminded that social distancing protocols are once again in effect.
I want to thank each Town employee for their continued dedication to providing the services to residents during these challenges. By abiding with these temporary adjustments, I am sure we will be able to safely return some normalcy in our lives.
These decisions were made in consultation with the First Selectman’s emergency management
Today, Greenwich Hospital has 11 COVID-positive patients, 10 of whom are unvaccinated.
The number of residents who have died from COVID remains unchanged – as it has for 15 weeks - at 89.
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.
Tropical Storm Henri to bring heavy wind, rain and surf
Tropical Storm Henri is expected to arrive in Connecticut sometime late Saturday, into Sunday. It’s too early to tell exactly where it will make landfall or whether the storm will be strong enough to achieve hurricane status.
Regardless, I want to assure you that the Town and our team of first-responders are ready to respond to any situation that may arise from this weather event. Our emergency management team continue to monitor the situation and have initiated partial activation of our Emergency Operations Center.
In the meantime, I urge residents to prepare for this storm which is expected to bring tropical force winds with gusts up to 40 mph and between 2 to 4 inches of rain. Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate with heavy surf, high tides and rip currents that will be exacerbated the full moon Sunday.
For businesses participating in the outdoor dining experience this summer, they should ensure that all tables, chairs, tents and umbrellas are brought indoors. Residents are advised to secure their outdoor furniture.
Boaters should check their vessels to ensure they are properly secured for the storm.
It is advisable that residents have a supply of non-perishable food, as well as water, first aid materials, flashlights and batteries, and a supply of their prescriptions.
We will post updates – as needed - via the Town’s website, the reverse 9-1-1 system and the “Community Connections from Fred” newsletters.
Please do not risk your safety and that of our Town’s first-responders - police, fire, EMS, Parks & Trees and Public Works - by visiting our waterfront during the storm. Please shelter in place.
On behalf of all of our first-responders, I thank you in advance for your cooperation during this weather event.
Given the weather forecast the Coastal Cleanup scheduled for the Cos Cob Marina at 9 a.m. Saturday will be held as scheduled. Participants who want to kayak are advised to participate on the upper Mianus River or along the inner harbor shoreline to avoid possible rip currents on Long Island Sound. Land-borne participants can proceed as planned.
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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