Corona Virus Update #23 - May 1, 2020

To:        All residents
From:    Steve Dunn, First Selectman

BROOKFIELD HAS LOST FOUR RESIDENTS TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS

We have lost no additional residents to the virus. From State reports, it looks like we are hitting a plateau but time will tell us which way the infection rate goes. The measures all of us as a town have been taking to protect our neighbors is working and we thank everyone for their efforts. It’s essential to continue to protect our neighbors by isolating ourselves and our families. Please, stay home unless absolutely necessary.

As of this writing, we have 130 confirmed cases of the virus, with five people still reported hospitalized. 54 people are reported as having recovered from the virus. The reporting systems for data are still sporadic.

The trend in new patients and hospital admissions is slowing, indicating that our social distancing efforts are working. Please continue to contribute by staying home and staying safe. To be accurate, we will only report those cases confirmed by our Director of Public Health.

CELEBRATING ALL THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES IN FIGHTING COVID-19

Last Saturday night the entire town got together to make some noise in appreciation of our front line workers and everyone who has been helping to defect this infection. Thank you from the town for showing your appreciation in such a loud and happy way.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!

PPE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES HAS COME IN

We put out notice that we would have some PPE for local businesses and asked them to sign up and tell what they needed. Today we received in that PPE. Our police department picked up the supplies this morning and will be distributing them directly to these local businesses. 92 firms requested over 2800 items and it will be delivered in the next few days.

Thanks to our Police department for taking this on and getting these needed supplies out to these businesses.

“BROOKFIELD RECOVERS” FUND NOW OVER $36,000 IN DONATIONS

I am very pleased to tell you that our residents have responded quickly to our request for donations to the BROOKFIELD RECOVERS Fund, which allows the town to help our neighbors who need assistance. This is one of the reasons Brookfield is a great town to live in. Thank you to all who have donated. You can donate by sending a check to the town at 100 Pocono Road and mention Brookfield Recovers on your check or you can donate on line electronically on the town website.

The volume of those needing assistance has grown tremendously over the past few weeks but thanks to your generous donations to the RECOVERS fund, we have been able to meet the needs of all those who have requested assistance. Here is where you can donate on line:   https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KSP8S9D4F85XU&source=url

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE CANCELLED

We are cancelling the Memorial Day Parade.

NEW RULES FOR GOING OUT IN PUBLIC

The governor has issued a new executive order requiring that everyone who goes out in public wear a mask. Please follow this rule to keep everyone safe.

TOWN HALL REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Staff is working in the office, but the building remains closed. Please call the department you need to set up an appointment with if you need to deliver paperwork or require direct assistance.

PLANNING FOR REOPENING

It is too early to tell when we might begin reopening town hall and local businesses. We are making plans to assist our local small businesses to be ready when the decision is made. Reopening town hall will require that we reconfigure offices so that it is safe for both staff and visitors. We will provide further updates as we gain guidance from the State and our Director of Public Health.

SCHOOLS CLOSED UNTIL MAY 20

The governor has declared that all schools will remain closed until at least May 20. We will inform you if this date changes.

BOARD OF FINANCE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY

The Board of Finance met virtually on Wednesday, April 22nd, at 7 p.m. to discuss the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The governor issued an executive order mandating that the board adopt a budget and set a mill rate for next year. The Board of Selectmen has extended, by 30 days, the date by which the Board of Finance must adopt a budget to allow them as much time as possible to gather important information. The Board of Finance has until June 4 to adopt a budget and set the mill rate. They will be meeting virtually weekly on Wednesday evenings to review and adopt a budget and mill rate.

If you wish to participate in the meeting, please go to the town website, where details on how to join the meeting will be on the main page.