COVID-19 update: Public access to Town Hall closes Friday, other closings listed

MONROE, Conn. — First Selectman Ken Kellogg issued an update on the pandemic Wednesday night, noting the Connecticut death occurred earlier in the day, when an 88-year-old Ridgefield man being treated at Danbury Hospital died of complications from COVID-19.

“This is a heartbreaking milestone in our fight against this disease,” Kellogg said. “The situation in our state, and the entire nation, may seem almost unreal. We must remain focused on slowing the spread of COVID-19 and, as a community, getting through this prolonged event.”

“I am proud of the efforts of our Monroe community in rising to these unprecedented challenges,” he added.

Among the efforts, he said:

• Our public safety personnel remain ready to respond. I thank our dedicated police officers, volunteer fire departments, and emergency medical services providers. They continue to provide essential services while planning to meet future demands during the pandemic.
• Our Acting Superintendent of Schools, along with other school officials and teachers, are working diligently to provide a meaningful distance learning plan for all students during this emergency.
• Furthermore, a bag lunch program for school-aged children will start tomorrow. The Town’s Community and Social Services department will assist Monroe Public Schools as needed for this program.
• Our Edith Wheeler Memorial Library staff have done an outstanding job in launching a very popular “Library to Go” service, including checkout of materials, wireless printing, and downloadable content. Visit www.ewml.org for details.
• We want to keep our parks open for use by our residents while practicing safe social distancing. We strongly discourage group gatherings, and any groups over 50 are prohibited. This is consistent with the guidance from the state, and the current status of our state parks. We ask that everyone follow these requirements so that we may keep our parks open for appropriate use during these difficult times.
• Our Economic Development Commission is working with Emergency Management to provide our local businesses with information, such as the SBA loan assistance program. Please continue to support our local establishments.Kellogg also included a summary of the status of town facilities and state mandated restrictions and closings that impact Monroe businesses.

Starting this Friday, March 20, Town Hall facility will be closed to routine public access. Staff will remain onsite during regular hours to provide assistance.

Officials will continue to post updates, along with links to official information on the town’s website.