Letter from Mayor Ben Blake Regarding COVID-19

Dear City of Milford Residents,                           

Various city departments have been working closely and monitoring the situation regarding 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  As you may be aware, Connecticut currently has 2 cases of COVID-19, as well as 2 additional cases of CT healthcare workers who reside in New York.  Public health officials anticipate that Connecticut will continue to see increases in cases. 

The City of Milford has taken several steps to prepare and respond to COVID-19.  I have met with and am in regular contact with our Emergency Management Director, Health Director, Superintendent of Schools, City Department Heads, and community- and faith-based agencies in Milford.  Our plans are based on guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the CT Department of Public Health (DPH).  Additionally, I have been on calls with the Governor and his team that are being held in an effort to ensure that cities and towns are receiving consistent information at all levels of government.

Based on these discussions, the City of Milford is taking action to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 through the following measures:

Increasing the frequency of cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and areas in all public buildings.

Evaluating upcoming City offered events that would be considered mass gathering events for postponement or cancelation.  Mass gatherings are defined as events where large numbers of people are within close proximity to each other that prevent adequate social distancing.

Working closely with the Superintendent of Schools regarding decisions specific to school related gatherings and activities.

Planning for continuity of municipal operations, should the virus spread and impact the municipal workforce significantly.

While news of new cases may increase, we encourage Milford residents to take an active role in preparing along with us by doing their part to remain healthy and prevent this virus from spreading. At this time, the City of Milford recommends preparedness, not panic and asks you to:

Stay home if you are sick. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call your medical provider before going to their office.

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.

Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.

Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas.

Older adults and individuals with underlying health issues should avoid situations that put them at increased risk for more severe disease. This includes avoiding crowded places and gatherings, avoiding non-essential travel such as long plane trips and embarking on cruise ships.

The City will continue to keep you informed should additional actions be necessary.  For more information on COVID-19, please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or the State’s coronavirus information website at www.ct.gov/coronavirus .  Additionally, the State has launched an information hotline for questions from the public regarding issues related to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). People who have questions can call 2-1-1 or text “CTCOVID” to 898211.  Please note this information hotline is only intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider to seek treatment.

With Healthy Thoughts,

Benjamin G. Blake