COVID19 UPDATE 4
Good Morning,

The first confirmed case of COVID19 has been reported in our town.

What is important to remember is all cases are now spreading due to community transmission, which makes the guidance of Stay Safe, Stay Home absolutely critical.

A local physician I spoke to today remarked " it is socially responsible of all of us to do our part to stay home as much as possible."

I cannot stress enough how important it is to stay home if you do not need to be out. I know this is difficult - it is human nature to gather in times of stress and community crisis. We do this really well in Kent - we rally around each other in difficult times. We have all experienced this, both on the giving and receiving end. We must resist this temptation; it's hazardous to your family, friends and loved ones.

Please be assured that all confirmed positive cases are currently being followed up by our local health department to ensure those with the virus are getting the care they need, and are following CDC guidance.
State-level information and links
The Governor issued a number of Executive Orders over the weekend, mostly focusing on town budget options and 'essential' and 'non-essential' businesses.

Regarding the Town Budget - I"m gonna say this very plainly - I will do everything within my authority to ensure an open, transparent process is maintained for passage of the town budget. I met with Town Clerk Darlene Brady today and we are developing a plan for notification and public engagement for the budget process. It will likely mean embracing new technology - we will work through the details in the coming days and share the information with you.

Regarding 'essential' and 'non-essential' businesses - looking at the list of 'essential' businesses, you will see it is very long. That is good news.

In addition to this long list, Executive Order 7J, also permits:
  1. non-essential retailers may be staffed on-site, provided that they may only offer remote ordering (e.g. phone, internet, mail, dropbox) and curb-side pick-up or delivery and
  2. non-essential businesses and nonprofits to allow staff or third parties on site to the minimum extent necessary to provide security, maintenance and receipt of mail and packages.
The Department of Public Health has created a page with confirmed case data at the town level on their website. The data is generally updated daily around 4:30pm. You will also find a map showing all towns that have confirmed cases.
Local-level information and links
A few local updates:
  • The Kent Emergency Operations Center, located at Town Hall, has expanded its hours to 0900-1700.
  • The Welcome Center, all Town buildings, Kent Memorial Library, and the KVFD Firehouse remain closed to the public.
  • Davis IGA has suspended their delivery option, but our Emergency Management Team is working on a plan to use volunteers to provide home delivery. If you are interested in volunteering, please email John Grant at EMDeputy@townofkentct.org.
  • All restaurants are take-away only. Please support these local businesses that are important to our community.
  • Kent Pizza Garden 927.3733
  • Shanghai Asian Fusion 927.4809
  • The Fife & Drum 927.3509
  • Swyft 592.0404
  • Cozzy's 927.1551
  • JP Gifford's 592.0200

  • Kent Green Laundromat is offering Kent residents a “curb-side” wash/dry/fold laundry service with free pick-up and delivery at your home. The cost of this service is $1.40 a pound, based on the dry-weight of the finished laundry with a 10 pound minimum. Residents can call or text Caralee at 860.671.7107 to arrange a laundry pick up.

We continue to be in regular contact with the schools, fire and EMS officials, Torrington Area Health Department, and businesses to discuss planning going forward.

If you need anything from us, please reach out via email at COVID19INFO@townofkentct.org, or by phone to our Emergency Operation Center at 860.706.3833. We are here to help you, your friends, families and loved ones.
Finally, I'd like to offer a small distraction.

For the past couple of evenings from 8:00 to 8:02pm, we've started a nightly community bell ringing. South Windsor started this a couple of weeks ago, and when I read about it, it immediately spoke to me. When I opened my window at Town Hall these past few nights at 8:00, it is a glorious sound to hear the churches in town, the schools further out, then all the many growing numbers of smaller bells - and even a couple of car horns tonight. :)
It has given me a sense of true community spirit; the feeling that even thought we can't be physically near, we all are letting our neighbors know we're out there still close by.

I invite us all to join each night, whether to participate or listen, and share your photos and videos on social media.
Other reminders:

  • Hospitals and private labs are quickly increasing access to testing but please keep in mind you must still have a physician's order to be tested.

Please share and encourage friends and family (near or far), and friends to subscribe.
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