The following is an update from First Selectman Ken Kellogg:
MONROE, CT — The State Department of Public Health is currently reporting total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Monroe at 79 and a total of six deaths.
As announced earlier this week, our Community & Social Services Department is providing a bag of groceries to those eligible aged 60 and over; to register for this program, contact the Senior Center at 203-452-2815.
We continue to see encouraging signs, as the total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Connecticut continues to decline. The State has established 14 days of declining hospitalizations as a key milestone to begin the process of “Re-Opening” Connecticut. As the Governor announced this week, we are hopeful that this process to slowly restart Connecticut’s economy may begin as early as May 20th:
The pandemic’s impact on the economy has certainly been evident in Monroe.
Last week, the Department of Labor released data on new unemployment
claims by town.
This data confirms a significant increase in unemployment throughout the state. In Monroe, while our pre-pandemic unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, since COVID-19, our rate is now estimated to be 14.5 percent.
Locally, we continue to assist our local businesses and plan for the future. When the state provides more details on how re-opened businesses must operate after May 20th, Monroe will stand ready to support them by facilitating their ability to operate to the greatest extent possible, while protecting public health and safety.
Last week, Monroe’s Emergency Management team assisted the State by distributing a limited supply of donated masks to 36 of the essential businesses in Monroe. While we are all encouraged by the prospect of relaxing some restrictions later 
this month, social distancing and ongoing state rules that limit gatherings will clearly remain important factors to control the spread of disease.
No Memorial Day Parade
Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Memorial Day parade. As we all know, the parade is to honor those who served in our military and sacrificed for our country. I have spoken with both the Chair of our Memorial Day Committee and the Commander of Monroe’s American Legion Post to ensure that, as soon as it is safe and practical, Monroe will conduct a ceremony, which normally follows the parade, to properly honor these veterans.
Thank you and wishing everyone good health.
