Community Fund of Darien 2020
Community Fund of Darien COVID-19 Coronavirus Mental Health

Get Help If You’re Struggling: Town, Community Fund Mail Out Links to Mental Health Resources — and Here’s More

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Don’t let COVID-19 let you feel so down that it interferes with your ability to help yourself or others. Get help, now, and here are some first steps suggesting where you might go. In an ongoing effort to help town residents with many of the emotional difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the town Human Services Department and the Community Fund of Darien have gathered links to resources and put the information both online and in postcards being sent to residents this week. Here’s their joint announcement, with Web links, and Darienite.com has added further information below that:

Monday’s Announcement
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our daily lives, stress, worry and fear can seriously impact our mental health.  The “new normal” of unemployment or working from home, virtual learning, isolation from family and friends, and other uncertainties make prioritizing mental health even more challenging. The added financial and emotional stress of the holiday season can also exacerbate an already difficult time for many, especially those living with depression or anxiety.

Coronavirus 2020
Darien Library General winter snow 10-13-17

Darien Library and Others Nearby Cut Back Their Opening Hours to Help Battle COVID-19

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Darien Library and others nearby have scaled back their opening times to help prevent further spread of the pandemic, the library announced Thursday. Here’s the announcement:

The Darien, Ridgefield, Weston, and Westport public libraries announced today that they are coordinating their efforts to flatten the curve through scaled-back library services. Darien Library will continue to offer 30-minute Express Services browsing and computer sessions as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise around the state. With health experts predicting an increase over the holidays, the libraries are working in concert to share information and reassess in-person services on a regular basis. The libraries, all located in southern Fairfield County, often collaborate, since a change made by one will likely affect the others.

Coronavirus 2020

Darien Health Director Describes State’s New, Looser Guidelines for Those Exposed to COVID-19

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Darien Health Director David Knauf on Wednesday issued a description of the state’s revised (less strict) guidelines for shorter quarantines for those exposed to COVID-19 who don’t show any symptoms.

The state Department of Public Health now says a 10-day quarantine (with Day 0 as the day of exposure) is often enough, rather than the previous 14-day period.But daily monitoring of symptoms is still necessary, according to the new guideline. In some circumstances, even seven days is enough, the state says. Here’s the full text of the announcement:

Many people have received calls from health officials regarding their exposure to COVID-19 positive cases and have been asked to quarantine. Recognizing that 14 days can be a long period of time to quarantine, the state has recommended allowing reduced quarantine times for asymptomatic contacts of positive COVID patients as follows:

Based on the updated guidance from CDC, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends changing the quarantine period for persons known to be close contacts of cases of COVID-19 to 10 days if:

1) Daily self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms has been done and the person has had no symptoms of COVID-19 during the whole 10-day quarantine (day 0 is the is the day of exposure); AND

2) Daily symptom monitoring continues after 10 days for an additional 4 days (days 11–14). If any symptoms develop, immediately self-isolate and contact their local public health department or their healthcare provider; AND

3) After 10 days, persons need to continue to take the measures needed to prevent COVID-19, including but not limited to: wearing a mask when out in public and avoiding gatherings with people who are not in your immediate household, are over 65 years old or who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for COVID-19.

Maritime Aquarium
Aquarium Free for Essential Workers

Free Maritime Aquarium Tickets Available for Essential Workers This Monday to Wednesday

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In this season of Thanksgiving, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is expressing gratitude to essential workers who have helped the community respond to — and thrive during — the coronavirus pandemic by making free tickets available this Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 23 to 25. — an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

During these “Gratitude Days,” one free adult ticket will be available to essential workers with the purchase of any one full-priced Aquarium admission ticket. The offer is limited to one free ticket per household. Advance purchase is required via the aquarium website and will be available starting at noon on Sunday, Nov.

Business
Eversource Logo thumbnail square 7-4-16

Eversource Suspends Electricity Disconnections for Nonpayment

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Eversource has announced that it will suspend disconnect activities for customer nonpayment, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, and customers can sign up for a special COVID-19 Payment Program until Feb. 9, 2021. The Eversource announcement noted that experts are forecasting continued increases through the holiday season. Here’s the rest of the utility’s announcement, issued Friday:

“With COVID-19 surging and the holidays approaching, suspending electric service disconnections for our customers is a step that will make a big difference during the holiday season,” said Eversource Vice President of Customer Operations Jessica Cain. “At the same time, we remain focused on working individually with our customers to help them reduce their energy use, enroll in one of our flexible payment programs or connect with other options to help,” Cain said.

Alan Addley 2020
Alan Addley Superintendent Darien Public Schools

Schools Superintendent Alan Addley Goes Into Quarantine After Spouse Tests Positive

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Darien Schools Superintendent Alan Addley announced to parents on Tuesday night that he is going into quarantine after his spouse tested positive for COVID-19, although he tested negative. “Upon leaving work on Monday, I was tested for COVID-19,” Addley said in the announcement, emailed Wednesday night. “My PCR test was negative and I immediately started my 14-day period of quarantine,” he continued. “I am feeling well and following the directions from the CDC, District protocols and my physician.” Addley said the quarantine period will end on Tuesday, Dec.

Coronavirus 2020

Town, School Officials’ Update on Recent Spread of COVID-19 in Darien and Tips for Stopping It

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Dear Members of the Darien Community:

We hope this finds your family in good health as you face the challenges of living life during a pandemic. As COVID-19 cases increase across the state and in the town, the Town of Darien and the Darien Public Schools wish to share some reminders and practices designed to keep our community safe, to keep schools open, and to support our local businesses. — an announcement issued Thursday by Town of Darien and Darien Public Schools officials

It will take a conscious town-wide effort to keep our community healthy, and in turn allow our schools and businesses to remain open. Achieving these goals requires a collective commitment to adhere to public health and safety recommendations. These recommendations can help guide safe decision-making regarding participation in gatherings, sporting or recreational activities, and travel.

Coronavirus 2020
Darien Public Schools

Forty More Darien High School Students Quarantined, as Is Holmes Principal [UPDATE 2]

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Update, 8:54 p.m. — Forty people at Darien High School are considered “close contacts” of one person who tested positive for COVID-19 and was last at Darien High School on Wednesday, Superintendent Alan Addley and Nurse Alicia Casucci said in an announcement to parents at about 6:30 p.m., Thursday. The emailed announcement said in part:
“The affected person has been instructed to remain home in self-isolation for 10 days and have been provided with additional instructions to follow prior to returning to school. Family members have also been instructed to self-quarantine and get tested. “It was also determined 40  individuals are considered close contacts and require to be quarantined. All individuals have been notified and given further instructions regarding quarantine and further evaluation.  The high school building also received additional cleaning.”

Connecticut Travel Form

Travelers Coming to CT Can Get Tested Instead of Quarantining: — If They Do It the Right Way

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If you do it the right way — take the approved COVID-19 tests, fill out the right forms and send them to the right state authorities — you can come to Connecticut (or come back if you’re returning) without having to quarantine. Darien Health Director David Knauf sent out this news release to help people understand the rules:

We are receiving a number of questions regarding traveling to and returning from states that are on the restricted list issued by the Governor’s Office. Please refer to the following guidance:
1. Returning travelers need to … …

Cameron on Transportation
Jim Cameron Jim Cameron 8-2-16

We’ll Need to Finance the CT Transportation Fund, It’ll Be Painful, But Candidates Avoid Discussing It

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When it comes to COVID’s impact on transportation in our state, we are in the eye of the hurricane. That’s been the theme of my recent virtual talk to various Connecticut’s libraries and civic groups, comparing the calm eye of an intense storm to how we’ve become complacent about our transportation future. We kid ourselves if we think the winds have passed. The worst is yet to come. Commuters who’ve returned to the rails tell me ridership is slowly coming back but many still fear for their safety on mass transit, and with good reason.

Coronavirus 2020
Darien Public Schools

Superintendent to Parents: Schools Being Made Safer for Reopening on Tuesday

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Schools should be ready to welcome students full-time (as previously planned) on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with more spacing created for lunch and other safety measures prepared for them, Superintendent Alan Addley wrote in an email to parents Friday afternoon. “In preparing for all students to return, schools have increased physical spacing practices for lunch,” Addley said. “While the plans vary for each school, students are distanced further apart and/or alternative mitigating strategies are in place. Principals have shared these details with you along with practices for remote learners and other information related to the full reopening.”

Education
Middlesex Middle School wikipedia 5-25-16

COVID-19 Case of Someone at Middle School Results in 12 Being Told to Self Isolate

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Someone — either a student, teacher or other staff member — at Middlesex Middle School recently tested positive for COVID-19, according to an email from schools Superintendent Alan Addley. School nurses have told that person and 11 others who are considered to have been in close contact with him or her (apparently at the school and possibly also in a school bus, since family members are mentioned separately) to quarantine for 14 days, Addley said in the Wednesday evening email. Family members “have also been instructed to self-quarantine and get tested,” Addley wrote in the email, sent out as a letter through the email account of Alicia Casucci, director of nursing for the schools (but stating that it was from Addley). The individual who tested positive was last at Middlesex Middle School on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Board of Education 2020-2021
Letter to the Editor Pilgrim

Board of Ed Members: Despite Misleading Petition Comments, We Support Superintendent’s Reopening Plan

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To the editor:

As part of the leadership and most veteran members of the Board of Education, we are compelled to set the record straight. False and misleading comments were disseminated in a petition following our meeting on Tuesday night. Let us be clear. We unequivocally support Dr. Addley’s plan to reopen schools safely. Our position has never wavered.

Coronavirus 2020
Metro-North train passenger mask on 2020

Metro-North Reminder: Masks Are Mandatory, With State Fines in Both CT and NY

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Following the executive order issued in New York state on Monday establishing fines for individuals who are not wearing face covering on all Metro-North property, the State of Connecticut issued a similar order on Tuesday, Sept. 15. — an announcement from Metro-North

And although many of our customers are protecting themselves and others by wearing masks, now those who are not may receive a fine of $100 while traveling in Connecticut. The new Connecticut State Executive order means if you aren’t wearing a mask, or if your face covering doesn’t properly cover both your nose and your mouth, you may be barred from entering or from remaining on Metro-North property, including being removed from trains and stations by MTA or Connecticut Police. You can also be subject to a $100 fine.

Churches
St. Luke's Church St. Luke's Parish

Saint Luke’s Church Resumes Full Schedule of Worship Services This Sunday, Sept 20

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Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church is resuming a full lineup of worship services beginning Sunday, Sept. 20. Rev. Ryan Fleenor, the new pastor, said care has been taken to keep the services safe for parishioners. — an announcement from St. Luke’s Church

“Throughout the summer we had wonderful outdoor services,” Fleenor said, “and we also researched, prayed and prepared diligently to safely resume indoor worship once summer’s over, in addition to enriching our online programs.
Worship Services and Formats
“Sept.