City of Milford COVID-19 Update - March 31

MILFORD, CT – March 31, 2020 – The Milford Health Department received confirmation of the first death of a Milford resident due to COVID-19.  The individual was a female in her late 70s.

“On behalf of the City of Milford, I extend our deepest condolences to family and friends who are mourning this loss,” said Milford’s Mayor Ben Blake. “As COVID-19 continues to spread in our community, we must continue to come together and do our part as individuals and as a community to prevent the spread of this virus.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the individual who passed from complications of COVID-19” said City of Milford Health Director Deepa Joseph. “As we continue to receive reports on a daily basis of positive cases within our community, I encourage each of you to truly practice social distancing as it is the best tool we have in the fight against COVID-19.” Director Joseph added. The Milford Health Department continues to monitor cases, as well as identify and notify contacts.  Additionally, the Milford Health Department and the CT Department of Public Health is working closely with our local long-term care facilities regarding potential and/or confirmed cases in these facilities to ensure appropriate measures are being taken to protect facility residents and staff.

Currently, there are 17 positive COVID-19 cases in Milford.  The City of Milford continues to take measures to protect the health and safety of our residents while maintaining critical operations during this time.  Residents are encouraged to practice social distancing by avoiding gatherings of more than 5 people.  Though City playgrounds, basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts, and the skate park have been closed in order to prevent close-space interaction amongst users, residents are instead encouraged to take advantage of Milford’s open space, parks and walking trails.  However, please note that being outside does not ease the need for social distancing; as you visit our beautiful open spaces, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others.

In addition to practicing social distancing, it is imperative that individuals follow these preventive measures:  

Stay home, especially if you are sick.

  • Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet and avoid groups of more than 5 individuals.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol, if hand washing is not easily accessible.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas.
  • Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please:
  • Call your medical provider before going to their office or call the Yale New Haven Health System COVID-19 Call Center at 203-688-1700. Your health care provider will make an assessment and order COVID-19 testing as appropriate.
  • Separate yourself from other people in your home by at least six feet.  Use a separate bathroom and bedroom, if available.  Avoid sharing personal household items.
  • Monitor your symptoms.  If your condition is worsening (i.e. difficulty breathing), seek emergency medical attention.  Notify the healthcare provider BEFORE arrival that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the City of Milford Health Department website at https://www.ci.milford.ct.us/health-department/pages/2019-novel-coronavi...

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