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COVID-19 Update from Mayor Ben Blake and Milford Health Director Deepa Joseph

Posted on: March 16, 2020 - 3:59pm

Press Release

COVID-19 Update from Mayor Ben Blake and Milford Health Director Deepa Joseph

MILFORD, CT – March 16, 2020 – Earlier today, it was confirmed that a City of Milford resident tested positive for COVID-19.

“We have received confirmation from the CT Department of Public Health that a Milford resident tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently recovering at home,” said City of Milford Health Director Deepa Joseph. “The Milford Health Department is working with the CT Department of Public Health to identify and notify potential contacts that may have been exposed. We encourage residents to continue to practice precautions to slow the spread of this virus and protect the health of our residents as we anticipate seeing additional cases.” Director Joseph added.

As part of the contact investigation related to the individual who tested positive, the Milford Health Department, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Public Health will notify all individuals considered to be a close contact of the individual and further guidance will be provided. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Preventive measures that are encouraged include frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning high-touch surfaces often.

“Over the last few weeks, the City has gone through great lengths to prepare for COVID-19. The individual is currently home recovering and we will continue to implement efforts to keep Milford residents safe and healthy. Again, I want to stress the importance of social distancing, hand washing, keeping common areas clean, and to heed the advice from our medical and public health professionals,” said Milford’s Mayor Ben Blake. “The City of Milford has a long history of coming together in times of need and this is no different. While it’s not ideal to implement social distancing, it’s vitally important to reducing the spread of COVID-19,” added Mayor Blake.

Effective at 8PM tonight, actions have been taken statewide to limit crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people. Additionally, restaurants and bars that serve food will temporarily be required to move to take-out and delivery services only. Bars that do not serve food will be required to temporarily close.  Milford restaurant and bar owners in need of guidance specific to converting to take-out and delivery only operations can contact the Milford Health Department at 203-783-3285.

In light of these changes and in an effort to ensure seniors and our students in need have access to food, the Milford Senior Center and Milford Public Schools have implemented programs to assist.  The Milford Senior Center has instituted a “To Go” only program. Those seniors in need of meals should contact the Senior Center to schedule delivery or drive through service. Meals will be provided for 3 days at a time. Milford Public Schools Food Services will provide breakfast and lunch meals for students at no charge to all household members, aged 18 and younger, as long as one child in the household is enrolled in any Milford Public School.

While the news of a confirmed case can create concern, we encourage Milford residents to take an active role by doing their part to remain healthy and limit community spread of this virus.  As such, Milford residents are encouraged to stay home as much as possible and only go out for essential purposes. 

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.
  • Stay home except to get necessary medical care.  Do not go to public areas.  Avoid using public transportation.
  • Separate yourself from other people in your home by at least six feet.  Use a separate bathroom, 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, please utilize the following resources:

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