Corona Virus Update #3 - March 16, 2020

To: All residents

From:    Steve Dunn First Selectman

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE #3

TOWN HALL CLOSED

Based on the latest advice from our local health, state and federal officials, Town Hall is closed to visitors starting today, Monday, March 16. Hours of operation will also be curtailed and we will be operating on a 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM schedule. Our staff will be rotating shifts in order to try and ensure that we will have staff available for the foreseeable future.

Town employees will be working, but the building will be locked. If you need assistance, please call the department you need directly so they are able to assist you. They will be able to accept documentation directly on a very limited basis, but such transactions must be approved first through a telephone call. I encourage you to use online forms available on the town website. You can email or mail most documents to the town. If you need assistance, call the department directly.

LIBRARY CLOSED

The library will be closed through at least March 29^th. Library staff will be coming in, but the building will not be open.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OPEN AND EXPANDED

Our EMS services will be adding an additional ambulance shift with EMT’s on board to their schedule for the duration of the virus outbreak. This is to ensure that we are able to meet possible demand, and to clean the vehicles thoroughly after every run.

SENIOR CENTER CLOSED

Our Senior Center is closed for all activities.

BROOKFIELD OUTREACH PROGRAM-NEW

Seniors or those who are at greater risk can sign up for our outreach program to obtain direct assistance from the town during this event. Details of the program are at the end of this update.

FOOD BANK

The food bank will be open on an as needed basis. Please call Social Services to arrange to pick up food and to understand the process being put in place.

SCHOOLS CLOSED

Our schools are closed for all activities through March 31^th and no events are being held.

TOWN PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS CLOSED

Facilities at Cadigan and Town Hall are closed immediately and tennis courts and basketball courts are closed.

 Playgrounds at Center, Whisconier and Huckleberry Hill schools are closed immediately. They will remain closed through at least March 29^th..

Open Spaces will remain open for casual use such as hiking. This includes the Still River Greenway.

We will be providing regular updates, so continue to monitor the town website and FB page for further information.

To get updates via email, please sign up here:

Subscribe to eNews (updates from the town website)- https://www.brookfieldct.gov/subscribe

Subscribe to Brookfield Spotlight Newsletter- http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=eybpcuhab&p=oi&m=1107701499652

Telephone numbers of departments:

Assessor (203) 775-7302                                               Health (203) 775-7315

Board of Education (203) 775-7700                          Human Resources (203) 775-7303

Fire Marshal (203) 775-7306                                       Land Use (203) 775-7316

First Selectman (203) 775-7301                                  Library (203) 775-6241

Building (203) 775-7305                                                Parks & Recreation (203) 775-7310

Finance (203) 775-7308                                                                 Public Works (203) 775-7318

Registrar of Voters (203) 775-7343

Brookfield Outreach Program

To Brookfield Citizens,

In response to the current health emergency, Brookfield is forming the “Brookfield Outreach Program” (BOP).

We plan to assist our older (over 60) or vulnerable residents who may contract the novel Coronavirus known as COVID-19 or who have other needs during this unprecedented time.

To be ready for any eventuality, the Town is asking that people call us at 203-775-7312 or to email social@brookfieldct.gov  to register for help if it becomes necessary. There will be either a person or an answering machine on this line.

Brookfield will create a database of your name(s), addresses, phone numbers and your current emergency contact person or family members. This will be a voluntary and confidential registry only for use in case of this emergency. Possible requests could include assistance with food, supplies, transportation or other situations. Our team includes town officials, the Emergency Management Director, Chiefs of our Fire and Police Departments and our Director of Public Health.

Most people are already aware of the seriousness of the current pandemic and the likelihood of rapid spreading. Each one of us need to practice “social distancing,” especially if you are over 60 or have serious health issues. If you get COVID-19 symptoms, such as dry cough and fever, you need to contact your health provider first and self-quarantine to avoid contact with others. Reliable sources of information can be found on the Center for Disease Control website: www.cdc.gov or the World Health Organization at: www.who.org

Town offices will remain open for only priority and necessary business starting on Monday, March 16^th from 10AM to 3PM. The Senior Center will also be closed starting on Monday but staff is available by telephone to assist you as needed  at 203-775-5308.  This is how a small town like Brookfield can help take of our own citizens in a time of need.

I strongly recommend that part of your preparations include your registration in our BOP initiative by calling 203-775-7312 in the next few days or by sending your information via email to social@Brookfieldct.gov .