A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass... Update on COVID-19 and Schools Closing

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The Superintendent of Easton, Redding and Region 9 Schools has made a decision to close schools temporarily which our Health Director and I completely support. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is evolving rapidly, and we will continue to monitor and discuss plans going forward. There are new developments daily and sometimes hourly, so I feel long term planning is unwise at this time. We have also effectively halted daily and regular operations at the Senior Center as a precaution to one of the most vulnerable and at risk groups affected by this viral illness. Programs at the Easton Library have been suspended although the facility remains open. Town Hall remains open and functioning normally as do the other departments of town government. This too will be evaluated on a daily basis.

While this does seem scary to many, especially our kids, it is worth noting that we do have outbreaks of the flu every year, just not with this intensity. In looking to China as an example, the intense period of the disease is fairly short lived. Still, we all need to limit contact with large groups and wash our hands frequently. We are at a stage of the development of the virus where we should expect significant growth in the number of people affected around the country in the next few weeks. We all have the ability to protect ourselves by using common sense.

If you have symptoms of the cold or flu stay home and avoid contact with others. If you do not feel well, your first call should be to your primary doctor. Yale New Haven Health Systems has set up a call center if you have questions or need advice. Also, United Way supports 2-1-1, a free and confidential service that is a call center for questions in crisis situations. Please dial 2-1-1. Emergency services and the local emergency rooms are best utilized for those with life threatening incidents or injuries.

We will continue to keep you posted. 

Thank you,
David Bindelglass
First Selectman