Press Release - Corona Virus - March 12

March 12, 2020

Press Release from Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna, Jr.

By now, most everyone’s lives have been affected by Covid 19, also known as the corona virus. Whether it is school activities that have been cancelled or meetings postponed, most of us are experiencing some disruption to our lives. By all accounts, this is likely to continue for at least the next few weeks. During times of unusual activity beyond our control, people frequently look to government for assistance, resources and information. In this regard, we will provide leadership at the local level and provide the public with the best information we have available to us. These are the actions we have taken:

• On Monday, I led a meeting of Old Saybrook’s Public Safety Leadership Team which is comprised of myself, the Director of Emergency Management/Police Chief, the Fire Chief, the Chief of Emergency Medical Services the Director of Youth and Family Services/Social Services, the Superintendent of Schools and the Regional Director of Public Health.  Each leader was required to brief me on their preparedness and response plans concerning this crisis.
• Directed the Town’s Emergency Operation Center to be readied for partial or full activation. The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) serves as the command/control/coordination center for community response in times of emergency.   The last time Old Saybrook’s EOC was activated for a Public Health Emergency was when we were confronted with the H1N1 Virus Outbreak.
• Participated in a Governor’s Conference Call for Municipal Chief Elected Officials and Public Safety Leaders on March 9.
• Directed Old Saybrook’s participation in all public health and public safety briefings.
• Convened local officials to brief the Board of Selectman on community readiness at our Board of Selectmen meeting on March 10, 2020.
• Met and discussed with the Superintendent of Schools and the Parks and Recreation Director concerning postponing and/or cancelling community events to promote social distancing and to discourage community spread of the virus.
• Discussed the local business impact with the Director of the Chamber of Commerce, businesses and the Economic Development Director. 
• Collaborated with the Executive Director of The Kate concerning the Governor’s Executive Order that will close The Kate for the foreseeable future.
• Scheduled a Special Meeting of the Town’s Safety Committee on Thursday, March 12 to brief all Department Heads and employee staff representatives on the Town’s preparedness activities and response plans.
• Directed that a “frequently asked questions list” be placed in all municipal offices to ensure citizen questions are answered in a complete, standardized format.
• Fostered enhanced cleaning activities at all Town facilities paying particular attention of human touch points (door handles/service counters) and restrooms.
• Engaged the Director of the Estuary Council concerning events and social distancing for the elderly.

Here are some additional matters to consider:

• Please know that the best source of Public Health information is the CDC website.   www.cdc.gov
• Be wary of Coronavirus scams.  If you believe you are and have been subject to a scam, please contact the police department – 860-395-3142
• At the recommendation of the CDC please ensure that you have an ample supply of food, medications, and sanitary supplies.   Social services resources are available for those in need.  Call Youth and Family at 860-395-3190.
• This is a fast moving public health event. We will make information available as frequently as possible. I am confident that Old Saybrook is prepared as well as any community can be to respond to this event. I have full confidence in our Public Safety and Public Health Leaders and the response structure that is in place should this pandemic reach Old Saybrook.