LATEST DARIEN COVID-19 NEWS: Continual Updates: April 5 to 12

While this pandemic continues to evolve, Eversource will continue to take all necessary precautions to maintain reliable service for its customers and to ensure the safety and health of its employees and the public under its COVID-19 pandemic plan. For more information on Eversource’s preparedness efforts and response to COVID-19, including FAQs for customers, ways to save, and more please visit Eversource.com.

Darien Superintendent: District Will Consider State Recommendation for Pass/Fail Grading

Thursday, April 9, 6:45 p.m. — Schools Superintendent Alan Addley, in an email to parents on Thursday afternoon, said the state Education Department recommends that schools adopt some form of Pass/Fail grading for the fourth quarter of the school year  — roughly the period while school buildings are closed.

Here’s the full text of Addley’s email:

Dear Parents,

This afternoon, Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut schools will remain closed until May 20, 2020. The Commissioner of Education also recommended that schools adopt a locally guided Pass/Fail protocol for grading during the period school closure.

It is the Commissioner’s hope that this type of uniform grading policy implemented across the state will create a consistent grading scheme for evaluating all Connecticut students by post-secondary institutions within and outside Connecticut.

Darien will consider the Commissioner’s recommendation as we work closely with surrounding districts and our talented staff in designing a grading system that best meets the needs of our students and honors the body of work that teachers and students are doing through eLearning.

A final recommendation and decision on the District’s grading practices for the 4th quarter will be determined after the upcoming long weekend. The District will provide additional communication and updates after the weekend.

In the meantime, thank you for your support of our eLearning and teachers over the past month. It truly is amazing what students, parents and teachers have accomplished together.

I trust your family is well and the extended weekend provides you with a welcomed break, an opportunity to disconnect from technology and a chance to spend a different type of quality time with your family.

Sincerely,
Alan Addley
Superintendent of Schools

Gov Lamont Directs Lowering of Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of COVID-19 Fatalities

Thursday, April 9, 2:15 p.m. — Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday announced that he is directing U.S. and state of Connecticut flags to be lowered to half-staff statewide effective immediately in recognition and mourning of all those who have lost their lives and been affected by COVID-19.

The flags will remain lowered throughout the emergency. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags — including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise — should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

“This global pandemic is impacting the lives of so many families, friends, and loved ones in Connecticut, and we mourn for those who have been impacted,” Lamont said.

“This is an incredibly trying time and a tragic period in our state’s history. I continue to urge every resident of Connecticut to stay home and practice social distancing as much as possible, because not only may your life depend on it, but it could also impact the lives of others,” he said.

“My family and I are thinking of every person who has lost someone during this pandemic, especially as we begin to approach Easter, Passover, and Ramadan,” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said.

“It is truly heartbreaking to know that so many Connecticut communities will be in mourning during this holy season. Our prayers and sympathies are with them in this very difficult time.”

The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full-staff.

Darien COVID-19 Tracking Statistics for TUESDAY

Wednesday, April 8, 9:29 p.m. — These images were posted Tuesday afternoon on First Selectman Jayme Stevenson’s Facebook timeline:

WEDNESDAY State Statistics on COVID-19 Cases in Lower Fairfield County

Wednesday, April 8, 9:15 p.m. — As of Monday, an even 113 Darienites (one more than the day before) have been identified with COVID-19, according to information released by state authorities. (Reminders: Many people are thought to have the COVID-19 virus who aren’t identified; the state says “all figures are preliminary and subject to change.”)

Of the 4,136 test-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Fairfield County, about half are in the most southwesterly part of the county: in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk and Westport.

Here’s the number of identified cases in nearby communities, according to the state government Coronavirus statistics updates Web page:

Stamford — 1,045 cases (45 more than the 1,000 of the day before)
Norwalk — 644 (19 more than the 625 of the day before)
New Canaan — 79 (one more than the 78 of the day before)
Greenwich — 247 (19 more than the 228 of the day before )
Westport — 152 (four more than the 148 of the day before)
Wilton — 87 (one more than the 86 of the day before)
Weston — 34 (the same as the day before)
Ridgefield — 114 (three more than the 111 of the day before)
Fairfield — 113 (19 more more than the 94 of the day before)
Bridgeport — 429 (83 more than the 346 of the day before)

TOP TEN MUNICIPALITIES (with total cases): 1. Stamford (1,045), 2. Norwalk (644), 3. Danbury (622), 4. Bridgeport (429), 5. New Haven (413), 6. Waterbury (358), 7. Greenwich (247), 8. Hartford (227), 9.West Haven (167), 10. Shelton (161)

WEDNESDAY COVID-19 Briefing by Gov. Lamont

Wednesday, April 8, 8:58 p.m. — As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2020:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

Since yesterday’s update, an additional 1,000 Connecticut residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 8,781. To date, more than 31,700 tests have been conducted in Connecticut among both state and private laboratories. Approximately 1,418 patients have been hospitalized. The total statewide total number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is 335.

A county-by-county breakdown includes:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality and data broken down by age, gender, race, and other factors, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

State continuing to process donations for Personal Protective Equipment

The State of Connecticut is continuing to process inputs from people, businesses, and organizations who wish to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for use in the state’s hospitals and long-term care facilities.

To date, there have been 2,027 offers to donate items. Those offers are being processed through a collaboration between the Department of Public Health  and the United Way 2-1-1 of Connecticut.

The state continues to request PPE for health care workers, first responders, and other essential workers. To donate PPE, click here to fill out an intake form.

Governor Lamont announces medical surge plan in partnership with Connecticut’s long-term care facilities

Governor Lamont today announced a partnership with Connecticut’s long-term care facilities to collaborate on a medical surge plan that includes the establishment of COVID-19 recovery centers in nursing homes to accept patients who can be discharged from acute care hospitals, but are still impacted by COVID19 infection.

So far, at least four such recovery centers will be opened in Torrington, Bridgeport, Meriden, and Sharon that will make available more than 500 new beds for COVID-19 patients.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is also working with hospitals to ensure that more patients can be tested while they are hospitalized in order to receive the two negative COVID-19 test results 24 hours apart that are needed in order for a patient to be discharged to a general long-term care facility.

There are currently more than 2,000 available beds in long-term care facilities that could be occupied by patients currently hospitalized who could be discharged when they get their negative COVID-19 tests.

“Residents of long-term care facilities represent our most vulnerable population during this pandemic, as the virus can spread quickly within the enclosed environment such as a nursing home,” Public Health Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell said.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to make sure our nursing home residents get the care they need and that nursing home staff are protected with enough equipment. These new COVID-19 recovery centers will provide hundreds of new beds for COVID-19 care all over the state, and this will help to make hospital beds available to absorb the surge of hospitalizations we anticipate in the next couple of weeks.”

The Connecticut Department of Social Services and the Office of Policy and Management have determined a specific payment rate of $600 per day for the COVID-19 recovery centers, and additional payments of 10% across the board for all nursing homes in Connecticut during the course of the pandemic.

“This plan will assist our long-term care facilities and dedicated staff in their continuing efforts to protect residents and themselves from the spread of COVID-19,” Social Services Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford said.

“By establishing facilities with a special focus on the care of individuals with COVID-19 and providing necessary funding, we will support the state’s overall medical surge response.

This recognizes the additional costs being experienced by the industry at large. DSS is proud to support the Governor Lamont, our fellow state agencies, and key partners in this crucial initiative.”

Athena Health Care systems is one of the first private Connecticut nursing home providers to partner with the state on the effort to open up COVID-19 recovery centers.

Larry Santilli, president and CEO of Athena Health Care Systems, said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented incredible and unprecedented challenges to the state. I am glad that Athena Health Care Systems is in a position to answer the state’s call for assistance at this critical time.

“Our history, experience, the expertise of our incredible team, and more than 35 years as Connecticut’s leader in senior care, make us well-suited to help the state and to help those afflicted with COVID-19. The true heroes in this battle are the amazing teams at Sharon and Northbridge Health Care Centers, as well as the new teams assembling in Torrington and Meriden.

“I believe that their work will help in the state’s goal to mitigate this pandemic as much as possible and as quickly as possible. These centers can provide nearly 500 beds of post-acute care, providing much needed support to our state’s acute care hospitals during the impending surge.

“Since the beginning of this pandemic, our leadership team in Farmington has been available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide counsel and management to every Athena center – and will now provide that expertise to new teams in Torrington and Meriden.”

Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman Mairead Painter said:

“Throughout this pandemic the governor, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, has had to make difficult decisions.

“I am thankful that they have kept the rights of residents, including the right to appropriate medical care, at the forefront of this decision making.”

Latest list of nursing homes with laboratory confirmed positive cases of COVID-19

The following is an up-to-date list of every nursing home in Connecticut with residents who have tested positive for COVID-19:

 

Connecticut Department of Labor provides $35 million in benefit payments to 104,000 residents during pandemic

The Connecticut Department of Labor has provided more than $35 million in benefits payments to nearly 104,000 claimants for the week ending April 4. The agency has now processed nearly 133,000 claims of the more than 302,000 the agency has received since March 13.

“We recognize the critical role unemployment insurance plays, as it provides a lifeline to people who are out of work,” Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby said. “During this time of need, the agency is working extra hours and weekends to process claims as quickly as possible and to program in computer changes to accommodate the new federal programs that will provide additional unemployment benefits.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic began to dramatically affect Connecticut and its businesses community, the agency was typically issuing approximately 40,000 benefit payments weekly, providing $15 to $16 million in benefits to those seeking new employment. The $35 million dollars issued this past week represents a more than 100 percent increase in the amount of benefits that were provided the previous week.

“Typically the agency receives 3,000 new claims a week – but the applications we have seen in last 21 days represent more than we would handle in 18 months,” Commissioner Westby added. “Typically, a staff of 20 handles the weekly processing, but we now have over 80 CTDOL employees – including those from other units, retirees, and former staff who have transferred to other agencies – all working together to get benefits to our residents as quickly as possible. Additional staff are receiving training and will soon be assisting as well. The agency appreciates the public’s patience as it works to process the thousands of claims that have been filed as a result of the pandemic. Although there continues to be a six-week backlog, all eligible claims will be processed, paid, and retroactive to the date they were filed.”

While the numbers in Connecticut are staggering, Connecticut is not unique. Unemployment claims are up in record numbers across the country, as states close non-essential businesses to slow the virus.

To speed up the processing of their claims, unemployed residents who have not yet filed should:

• Visit www.filectui.com
• Click first on the message above the large blue button that notes, “For quicker payment of unemployment benefits, please follow these instructions.” The link will bring claimants to a guide that should be read before filing for benefits.

For residents who have already filed a claim, Commissioner Westby reminds residents that it is very important they check their email (including junk and spam folders) daily for updated messages from the Labor Department.

The agency hopes to be able to provide the federal benefits, including the weekly $600 in additional payments and benefits to self-employed individuals and independent contractors, in the next several weeks. Updates on the status of these programs will also be posted to the agency’s website, www.ctdol.state.ct.us. Federal benefits will be retroactive to the date they were signed into law.

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Connecticut Department of Labor.

State officials warn residents to be aware of work-from-home scams

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), the Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut, and Attorney General William Tong are warning families about work from home scams that may be targeting vulnerable workers during this time. DCP has received complaints about re-shipping scams since the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Connecticut.

How the scam works

• Those out of work may see online job postings offering an easy work-from-home opportunity: simply re-shipping packages.
• After a quick hiring process (that typically involves divulging personal information), victims begin to receive packages.
• Next, they “inspect” packages, and re-ship them with new shipping labels provided by the company.
• When they inquire about their payment, no one at the “company” they’re working for can be contacted, and they never receive compensation.

Risk of the scam

• Items being shipped or picked up in this scam may have been purchased with stolen credit cards or funds – putting those who have fallen victim to the scam in potential legal trouble. This may include law enforcement visiting their home.
• Those who fall victim to employment scams unknowingly put themselves at risk for several other types of fraud and identity theft, especially if they have provided personal or financial information such as a bank account numbers for payroll.

How to avoid work-from-home scams

• Remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If anyone guarantees you employment – and a large amount of money – it’s a scam.
• No legitimate company will ever charge you money to apply for a job or charge you a fee before you start – avoid any company or individual that says it’s a requirement.
• If you do see a job posting, and you’re interested in applying, research the reputation of the company first, and even search the name of the company in conjunction with the words “fraud” or “scam” to see if anyone has reported suspicious activity in the past.

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Department of Consumer Protection.

Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state’s CTAlert notification system

Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access. It intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.

Palmer’s Market Emergency Grocery Service Closed for Rest of Week

Wednesday, April 8, 2:49 p.m. — Palmer’s Market announced that it won’t be taking more orders through its “Emergency Grocery Service” where items are delivered to customers. There have been too many orders, and the store’s staff and volunteers can’t keep up.

The strain on the service is causing some customers to snap at store employees, and “we will not tolerate it,” the announcement said. “We reserve the right to refuse orders from those customers.”

Here’s the announcement, emailed early Wednesday afternoon:

Dear Customers,

UPDATE: Emergency Grocery Service is Temporarily Closed

Our Emergency Grocery Service will be closed for the remainder of the week due to the overwhelming amount of orders that we have received. Orders that have been placed already will be filled by Friday, April 10.

We will resume taking orders Monday, April 13th at 8 am.

Moving forward, we will be limiting the number of orders we will take each day and we will only be allowing 1 order per week per household.

We want to stress that this is an EMERGENCY SERVICE. If you can shop for yourself or have a friend or neighbor that can shop for you, please consider this before placing your order. It would be a shame if those who really need this service weren’t able to receive it.

PLEASE BE KIND! WE ARE DOING OUR BEST! Our grocery concierge staff is being verbally abused and we will not tolerate it. We reserve the right to refuse orders from those customers.

Thank you for understanding,
The Palmer Family

 

Darien COVID-19 Tracking Statistics for MONDAY

Tuesday, April 7, 8:31 p.m. — These images were posted Tuesday afternoon on First Selectman Jayme Stevenson’s Facebook timeline:

TUESDAY State Statistics on COVID-19 Cases in Lower Fairfield County

Tuesday, April 6, 8:24 p.m. — As of Monday, an even 112 Darienites (three more than the day before) have been identified with COVID-19, according to information released by state authorities. (Reminders: Many people are thought to have the COVID-19 virus who aren’t identified; the state says “all figures are preliminary and subject to change.”)

Of the 4,136 test-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Fairfield County, about half are in the most southwesterly part of the county: in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk and Westport.

Here’s the number of identified cases in nearby communities, according to the state government Coronavirus statistics updates Web page:

Stamford — 1,000 cases (112 more than the 888 of the day before)
Norwalk — 625 (30 more than the 595 of the day before)
New Canaan — 78 (13 more than the 65 of the day before)
Greenwich — 228 (seven more than the 221 of the day before )
Westport — 148 (two more than the 146 of the day before)
Wilton — 86 (seven more than the 79 of the day before)
Weston — 34 (one more than the 33 of the day before)
Ridgefield — 111 (two more than the 109 of the day before)
Fairfield — 94 (nine more more than the 85 of the day before)
Bridgeport — 346 (110 more than the 236 of the day before)

TOP TEN MUNICIPALITIES (with total cases): 1. Stamford (1,000), 2. Norwalk (625), 3. Danbury (609), 4. New Haven (365), 5. Bridgeport (346), 6. Waterbury (299), 7. Greenwich (228), 8. Hartford (165), 9. Westport is tied with West Haven (each at 148), 10. Shelton (140).

Darien (112) ranks 12th highest in the state.

TUESDAY COVID-19 Briefing by Gov. Lamont

Tuesday, April 7, 7:59 p.m. — As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

Since yesterday’s update, an additional 875 Connecticut residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 7,781. To date, more than 29,036 tests have been conducted in Connecticut among both state and private laboratories. Approximately 1,308 patients have been hospitalized. The total statewide total number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is 277.

A county-by-county breakdown includes:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality and data broken down by age, gender, race, and other factors, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Governor Lamont signs 23^rd executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order – the 23^rd since he enacted the emergency declarations – that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of the virus.

Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7V enacts the following provisions:

• Safe workplaces in essential businesses: Requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to work in consultation with the Department of Public Health on the development of legally binding statewide rules prescribing additional protective measures that every workplace in Connecticut deemed essential – and any other business or nonprofit allowed to remain open – must follow. Such rules will be mandatory throughout the state.
  • Immediately upon Governor Lamont’s signing of this executive order, the Department of Economic and Community Development published the Safe Workplaces Rules for Essential Employers on its website, outlining guidance for these businesses. These rules go into effect immediately.
• Temporary permits for certain health care providers extended and fees waived: Waives the application fees for temporary permits for each of the health care professions that are administered by the Department of Public Health. It also extends the duration of the temporary permits for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless otherwise modified.
• Practice before licensure for certain health care profession applicants and graduates: Allows recent medical school and other medical profession graduates who are not yet licensed to participate in the state’s COVID-19 response for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency. This is necessary during the emergency period because the ability to take the required exams or other steps to receive a license have been suspended.
• Practice before licensure for marital and family therapy associates: Allows those who have recently completed an accredited graduate degree program in marital and family therapy offered by a postgraduate clinical training program to practice without a license for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency.
• Practice before licensure for professional counselor associates: Allows recent graduates with a degree in clinical mental health counseling who are not yet licensed to practice as a professional counselor associate without obtaining a license for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency.
• Protection from civil liability for actions or omissions in support of the state’s COVID-19 response: Replaces the section of Executive Order No. 7U concerning protection from civil liability for actions or omissions in support of the state’s COVID-19 response with new language, which adds protection from liability for common law claims – in addition to the previously enacted protection from liability for statutory claims – for healthcare workers and providers.

U.S. Army Reserve Urban Augmentation Medical Task Force joins the Connecticut National Guard to provide support at Stamford Hospital

Starting today and continuing to arrive over the next two days, approximately 85 soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve’s Urban Augmentation Medical Task Force will provide additional medical staff to Stamford Hospital. The Army Reserve group includes clinical and administrative staff, as well as those who are subject matter experts in operational medicine, infectious disease, preventive medicine, nursing, respiratory therapy, clinical psychology, occupational therapy, dietetics, pharmacy, and other areas.

The task force will be organized under the Dual-Status Commander Brigadier General Ralph Hedenberg, who is a Connecticut Guardsman that is expected to be approved by the U.S. Secretary of Defense to serve as Commander for both federal and Guard forces within the borders of Connecticut.

Over the last several days and continuing tomorrow, units of the Connecticut National Guard have been working alongside the staff at Stamford Hospital to build out more patient capacity.

Grants available to Connecticut manufacturers producing needed COVID-19 supplies

Governor Lamont today announced that Connecticut manufacturers can now apply for grants of up to $75,000 to assist in the production of critical equipment and supplies needed to respond to the COVID-19 emergency. The grants, offered through the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program, can be used for working capital, new equipment, and other purposes that help companies build capacity or repurpose their operations.

Applications for the funding will be reviewed and approved by the Department of Economic and Community Development, in partnership with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, based on the state’s current needs for medical equipment and supplies related to the pandemic. Funding for this short-term program is limited to $1.3 million and requires a one-to-one match from participating businesses. Learn more about the program and the application process by visiting https://ctmvp.ccat.us.

Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state’s CTAlert notification system

Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access. It intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.

Park Restrictions: New Canaan Is Stricter Than Darien

Tuesday, April 7, 11:17 a.m. — NewCanaanite.com reports today that police in that town don’t want to fine or arrest people going past yellow tape or signs saying they can’t enter Waveny Park or other town parks, but they will if they have to (in Darien, only parking is forbidden at parks so far):

• New Canaan Police will only bring fines or charges against those violating an order to stay out of the town’s public parks as a last resort, according to Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.
• According to an opinion from the town attorney, those violating formal orders issued during a public health emergency risk per-offense charges of $1,000 and a year in jail. Citing a desire to reduce transmission of COVID-19, First Selectman Kevin Moynihan on March 30 ordered New Canaan parks closed to the public through April 30.
• Since then, New Canaan Police have received complaints about people walking past yellow police tape or other barriers at park entrances, though those have subsided, according to Krolikowski. Ticketing violators or brining charges that range from infraction- to felony-level, under state law, would be “an absolute last resort,” Krolikowski said.
• “We would warn people multiple times before any enforcement,” Krolikowski said. “We are hopeful people realize that this is literally a life-or-death matter and that they do not want to do anything to harm others. […] If somebody thinks they’re special and that they can violate the order and walk into our parks, they shouldn’t, because it is for the safety of everyone.”

At Monday’s Darien Board of Selectman meeting, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson said that in the absence of an emergency directive from Gov. Ned Lamont, municipalities in the state are allowed to craft their own emergency mandates about access to town parks.

Palmer’s Market Tells Customers About Challenges, Changes

Tuesday, April 7, 8:51 a.m. — The Palmer’s Market newsletter on Monday told its customers about the store’s challenges. Palmer’s new hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The store won’t have Easter catering this year, and the store will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 12.

Palmer’s Market asks customers “If you can try to limit ordering to once or twice weekly, it would be greatly appreciated.”

Here’s the full text:

Dearest Customers,

Last week was a very difficult week. We filled almost 500 orders for our emergency service thanks to our new hires and volunteers. We were able to deliver many of these orders with the help of the Darien Police Department and Noroton Heights Fire Department.

Today we’re packing 125 orders and tomorrow we have 150 orders, our most daunting task to date. We will do our best to try to fill them in a timely manner. Our phones are ringing off the hook and it’s quite overwhelming. We will call you when your order is ready. Please be kind and patient, we are doing our best! Please remember this is an emergency service only. If you can try to limit ordering to once or twice weekly, it would be greatly appreciated.

Our staff is scared, and we don’t blame them. Many of them have voluntarily chosen to stay home and be with their families. Due to staffing shortages, we have made the difficult decision to close the bakery and kitchen, so there will be no Easter catering. If you already placed an order, your credit card will be refunded this week.
While there will be no catering, we do have tons of gorgeous spiral hams, rack of lamb, fresh produce and lots of Easter candy and stuffers for baskets. We know things are very different this year, but we hope you are able to have a nice celebration at home with your family.

In light of our current staffing situation, we have made the decision to shorten our hours. Starting today the store will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  We will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 12th.

Please say a prayer for all of us working on front lines.

Thank you for all your support!

The Palmer Family

Darien COVID-19 Tracking Statistics for MONDAY

Monday, April 6, 9:22 p.m. —These images were posted late Monday afternoon on First Selectman Jayme Stevenson’s Facebook timeline:

MONDAY COVID-19 Briefing by Gov. Lamont

Monday, April 6, 9:10 p.m. — As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

Since yesterday’s update, an additional 1,231 Connecticut residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 6,906. To date, more than 26,686 tests have been conducted in Connecticut among both state and private laboratories. Approximately 1,221 patients have been hospitalized. The total statewide total number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is 206.

A county-by-county breakdown includes:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality and data broken down by age, gender, race, and other factors, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Connecticut Insurance Department calls on auto insurers to lower personal auto premiums and expand certain commercial auto insurance

Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew N. Mais is calling on insurers to immediately lower personal vehicle premiums and expand commercial hired and non-owned and auto insurance in light of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Department Notice released today, all insurance companies offering auto and motorcycle liability insurance coverage in Connecticut are requested to adjust premiums to reflect the reduced risk from fewer vehicles being driven on the road during the shelter-in-place period.

The agency is also encouraging insurers to assist business owners, and restaurants in particular by affording them coverage for those delivery drivers who request commercial hired and non-owned automobile insurance and to use online, “gig” delivery businesses.

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Insurance Department.

Governor Lamont launches public service announcement campaign telling residents to “Stay Safe, Stay Home”

Governor Ned Lamont, in partnership with the Connecticut Broadcasters Association, today announced the launch of the “Stay Safe, Stay Home” public service campaign. The ads will be placed with CBA member stations across radio and television, and they will also be translated into Spanish.

The campaign will feature multiple ads throughout the month of April and will air multiple times daily on participating member stations. The first spot, “Opposite Month” was placed with stations today and is currently airing. The participating CBA member stations are donating their air time to support this important statewide message.

For more information, read the press release issued today by Governor Lamont.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

MONDAY State Statistics on COVID-19 Cases in Lower Fairfield County

Monday, April 6, 9:01 p.m. — As of Monday, an even 109 Darienites (nine more than the day before) have been identified with COVID-19, according to information released by state authorities. (Reminders: Many people are thought to have the COVID-19 virus who aren’t identified; the state says “all figures are preliminary and subject to change.”)

Here’s the number of identified cases in nearby communities, according to the state government Coronavirus statistics updates Web page:

Stamford — 888 cases (236 more than the 652 of the day before)
Norwalk — 595 (92 more than the 503 of the day before)
New Canaan — 65 (three more than the day before)
Greenwich — 221 (25 more than the 196 of the day before )
Westport — 146 (11 more than the 135 of the day before)
Wilton — 79 (six more than the 73 of the day before)
Weston — 33 (one more than the 32 of the day before)
Ridgefield — 109 (eight more than the 101 of the day before)
Fairfield — 85 (15 more more than the 70 of the day before)
Bridgeport — 236 (73 more than the 163 of the day before)

TOP TEN MUNICIPALITIES (with total cases): 1. Stamford (888), 2. Norwalk (595), 3. Danbury (570), 4. New Haven (319), 5. Waterbury (278), 6. Bridgeport (236) 7. Greenwich (221), 8. Hartford (147), 9. Westport (146), 10. Shelton (124).

West Haven (122) ranks 11th.

Ridgefield, Hamden and Darien are tied, each at 109 cases, for 12th worst ranking in the state.

Area Official: Late April, Early May Forecast for Peak Pandemic

Monday, April 6, 8:44 p.m. — Mike Handler, director of emergency management for New Canaan, said the forecasting models for the pandemic in our area show the maximum strain on health care resources happening somewhere around late April to early May. Here’s an excerpt from his daily email:

There are several models that attempt to forecast when we will reach the peak of this pandemic. Most measure healthcare demand based on three factors: hospital beds, intensive care unit beds and invasive ventilators. These models show our peak occurring as early as April 21 and as late as the first week of May.

The variability is largely due to the lack of reliable data which makes it hard to rely heavily on the forecasts.

What I do know with confidence is that the next few weeks are going to be really demanding on all of us. You are up to the challenge, and the men and women of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services are more than up to the challenge.

The safest place remains to be at home, period. This is not the time to soften our resolve. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but we all have to do our part.

EDITORIAL: Day and Night, Night and Day the Same Message

• “The safest place remains at home,” Mike Handler said in the post just above this one. Day and night, night and day, local, state, federal and even international officials say that same thing, over and over and over.
• Some don’t listen, some don’t believe and some just don’t care. Some of them will die, and some will pass it on to others, some of whom will die.

Gov Lamont Launches COVID-19 Public Service Announcement Campaign

Monday, April 6, 9:45 a.m. — Here are excerpts from the news release about a new public service campaign launched by the governor:

Gov. Ned Lamont, in partnership with the Connecticut Broadcasters Association (CBA), today announced the launch of the “Stay Safe, Stay Home” public service announcement campaign, telling Connecticut residents they have to stay home in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The ads will be placed with CBA members stations across radio and television, and they will also be translated into Spanish.

The campaign will feature multiple ads throughout the month of April and will air multiple times daily on participating member stations. All of the ads will also be shared on Governor Lamont’s social media channels. The first spot, “Opposite Month,” was placed with stations today and is currently airing. […]

Transcript of the “Opposite Month” PSA:

April is the “opposite month.” The opposite of everything I’ve ever told my kids.

Don’t go to school… don’t go visit your grandparents… don’t go outside and play hoops with your friends… don’t go to a worship service.

This virus is turning everything upside down, but if we take the “Stay at Home” rule seriously, we’ll be right side up soon enough.

Connecticut’s going to beat this virus. By sticking together and sticking to the rules.