MONROE, Conn. — Gov. Ned Lamont declared civil preparedness and public health emergencies in the state due to the coronavirus.
First Selectman Ken Kellogg says the declaration is meant to grant emergency authority in the event further actions become necessary, as well to enable state laws that protect against unfair or deceptive profiteering or price gouging.
“While currently not widespread, state officials have advised that we must assume that community transmission of COVID- 19 is occurring at some level,” Kellogg said in a news release. “Therefore, the state has recommended limiting certain mass gatherings with large numbers of people in close proximity. This guidance is intended to slow down additional disease transmission.”
Based on this guidance, Kellogg wrote:
- We are recommending that those most at risk for serious illness (again, those over the age of 65 and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions), consider avoiding large gatherings with large numbers of people in close proximity.
- We will evaluate any Town-sponsored large events and non-essential meetings and consider postponement or cancellation based upon the anticipated attendance, venue, and nature of the event.
- Currently, all Town offices remain open on normal schedules.
- The Superintendent of Schools is communicating directly with the school community regarding the cancellation or postponement of certain school events, however at this time Monroe schools remain open.
- Residents are reminded that focusing on common sense precautions are important to limit the spread of disease. Regular hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze, and staying home when sick will help to limit the spread of disease. If you are sick and need medical advice, please call your medical provider.
Kellogg said the town will continue to post information and links to official information at MonroeCT.org/CONVID-19. For further information, contact the Monroe Health Department at 203-452-2818 or call the state of Connecticut’s CONVID-19 hotline via the info line at 211 or by texting “CTCONVID” to 898211.
The first selectman said the town continues to monitor and respond to the coronavirus pandemic and its potential impacts to the community.
“We are following our existing pandemic preparedness and response plan, in concert with guidance from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Connecticut Department of Public Health,” he said. “Locally we are conducting regular meetings that include Emergency Management, our Director of Health, and the superintendent of schools.”
No known cases in Monroe
“We are in daily contact with various state health and emergency management officials,” Kellogg said.
As of this afternoon:
- The State DPH has reported a total of 3 cases in Connecticut, and additional cases are inevitable.
- Currently, there are no known cases are in Monroe.
- The range of illness can be very mild to severe. State health officials continue to predict that the majority of those who become ill with COVID-19 are expected to recover at home at not require hospitalization.
- Currently those over the age of 65 and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions appear to be the most at risk for severe illness.
