Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus and how Connecticut governments and communities are responding. These updates are for the Connecticut area for Thursday, March 12.
You can get the full list of school closings by clicking https://www.fox61.com/closings
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
State Legislative buildings to be closed until March 30
Democrats and Republican leaders announced that all legislative businesses including committee meetings and public hearings. The Legislative Office Building, State Capitol, and the Old State House will also be closed.
Legislative leaders will meet again in two weeks to determine if more action is necessary.
In a joint statement, Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz, Senate President Martin M. Looney, House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, and Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano said:
"In order to continue to take all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of the public, the General Assembly will postpone all committee meetings, public hearings, and other legislative business until March 30. Over the next two weeks we will continue to discuss amongst each other and determine if any additional action needs to be taken."
Ellington and Enfield schools to close
Both Schools sent out a statement Thursday saying that they will be closed. Ellington said their schools closed starting March 16, while Enfield said schools will be closed March 12. The Ellington superintendent was hopeful school would resume March 30.
Joe Biden cancels trip to Connecticut
FOX61 learned on March 12 that Democratic candidate Joe Biden has canceled his campaign event next week to Hartford. The event was planned to take place at a private home.
State trials suspended for 30 days.
Effective immediately, with the exception of jury trials currently in progress and criminal jury trials necessitated by the filing and granting of a speedy trial motion, all jury trials, civil and criminal, are suspended for the next 30 days.
If jurors have any questions, please contact Jury Administration by:
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts cancelling seven upcoming performances
The following seven Jorgensen Center performances have been cancelled:
- Thurs, March 12 Cirque Flip Fabrique
- Sat, March 14 The Chieftains
- Tues, March 24 Cinderella – Russian National Ballet
- Fri, March 27 Kristin Chenoweth
- Tues, March 31 Arcis Saxophone Quartet
- Thurs, April 2 Complexions Contemporary Ballet
- Sat, April 4 Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and Roll
Gov. Lamont announced Thursday the 180-day requirement for Connecticut schools has been waived for the academic year.
The governor is joined by state public health officials at the State Armory to provide updates on the state's coronavirus response efforts. During the press conference, it was announced that a child is a confirmed positive case of coronavirus and is home recovering and is a resident of Stratford.
Connecticut DPH officials confirmed three additional individuals have tested positive for COVID-19.
In total, 95 individuals have been tested at the State Laboratory: 6 positive and 89 negative.
According to DPH, four positive cases were in Fairfield County, while one was from Litchfield County.
Hamden Public schools to close March 13
The school district released a letter through their website Thursday saying they will be joining the other schools across the State, by closing Hamden Schools. All before and after school, along with adult education programs are also canceled. The school district will also be implementing a program similar to its Summer Meals programs to help feed their students. This program starts on March 16, at Hamden High, Hamden Middle, and Church Street Schools. Meals are available between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Administrative offices will be open starting March 17. Education packets will be sent out to students starting March 18. More updates are expected through their website.
Danbury schools to close until further notice
West Hartford closes some town facilities for two weeks, beginning March 16, 2020
The Town of West Hartford has made the decision to close some town facilities for two weeks as part of its emergency action plan to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. The closures will also allow our custodial staff to do a thorough cleaning of all the public spaces. More >>
West Hartford schools to close Monday
West Hartford Public Schools will be suspending operations at the end of this week, and will be closed starting Monday, March 16. "We will hopefully return to regular operations in two weeks, but that decision will depend on the events at the time," said officials.
New Haven Jewish Community Center to be closed for cleaning
The New Haven Jewish Community Center will be closed for cleaning after member family has contact with patient with positive coronavirus test.
Officials said in a statement, "We were made aware of a JCC family who has been in contact with an individual who has tested positive with Coronavirus. Several people who were with the individual now present with symptoms of illness.
Upon learning of the situation, we immediately sought guidance from the Connecticut State Department of Public Health and consulted with several medical professionals. The health department was encouraged by the measures we have taken thus far to safeguard those in our building and expressed they felt the risk to individuals who have visited the building was low. As such, there is no directive at this time to self-isolate. If you have further questions, please consult with your physician.
Out of an abundance of caution, we have determined to close the building for a deep cleaning at least through Sunday, March 15, 2020."
Hartford's S.A.N.D. School to be closed on Friday
Hartford's Superintendent of School announced that the S.A.N.D. School dismissed early and will be closed tomorrow due to a staff member who has symptoms associated with coronavirus.
Stratford Public Schools to be closed indefinitely after public health officials say a person in town tested positive for COVID-19
Federal courts delay cases
Federal courts in Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven will continue all cases to April 10.
The District of Connecticut courthouses remain open for all other business; however, specific entry protocols have been implemented, limiting access to the District’s courthouses to screen out high-risk persons, such as those who have traveled to China; Italy; New Rochelle, New York; and other high-risk locations in the past 14 days. A related order extends the restrictions to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s offices at 157 Church St., New Haven.
Staff in the District Court Clerk's Office are available by telephone and email (as shown on the Court’s Website), mail will be received, and intake counters remain open for filings.
New Haven and Stratford Public Schools to close Friday
Officials announced Thursday that schools in New Haven and Stratford will be closed on Friday due to concerns about Coronavirus.
New Haven School update
New Haven Health Dir. @MaritzaBondmph says the adult female, suspected of having COVID-19, which resulted in the temporary closure of the Nathan Hale School, does not actually meet the criteria to be tested. She and her family self-quarantining as precaution.
Bridgeport Public Schools to close Friday and stay closed for a week.
Officials ask to check the website as to when the schools will re-open.
Governor confirms fourth case in state resident
Gov. Ned Lamont confirmed Thursday the fourth case in a state resident from Stamford.
Fairfield Public Schools will be closed beginning Friday.
Stamford Schools to close Friday
CCSU campus closing immediately
School officials received word that a CCSU student had potential exposure to an individual who is currently being tested for coronavirus. The school's campus will be closed immediately. Faculty, staff, and students are asked to leave campus until further notice. Any questions can be sent to covidupdate@ccsu.edu.
The University of Hartford will extend their Spring Break and move classes online.
The University of Hartford has announced measures they are implementing regarding coronavirus safety. You can read them on their health and wellness page. The school asks if anyone has additional questions to forward them to COVID19@hartford.edu.
City of Bridgeport cancels all St. Patrick's Day activities
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim's office announced Thursday that all St. Patrick's Day activities have been canceled. The cancellation includes the road race, scheduled for this Sunday, and the parade, scheduled for next Tuesday.
The city cites public health and safety.
Old State House in Hartford closed Thursday and Friday for cleaning.
Kidcity Children's Museum in Middletown closes doors they said in a Facebook post. They said while there were no reported illnesses, they will close their doors for the time being. The museum said they will re-open when "it seems right", and that they will continue to pay their staff.
Darien Public Schools have announced they are closing Thursday. Classes are expected to resume on Thursday, March 26th. The closure includes the cancelation of academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities.
UConn moves classes online and announces other restrictions. A virtual town hall will be held Thursday at noon to address students' questions.
- Beginning on Monday, March 23, UConn will move to online course delivery for classes held at the Storrs campus, regional campuses and the School of Law. It is expected that this will remain the case until at least Monday, April 6. If this is extended, the university will communicate that well in advance. All faculty need to provide this option to their students. No faculty members should cancel their courses. Students will be graded and given credit as they normally would. The provost and deans will work with their faculty to develop individualized accommodation plans for courses such as labs, law clinics, internships and clinical placements that are not amenable to online delivery.
- UConn Health will issue separate guidance to its students, faculty and staff by close of business Thursday, March 12.
- All students who are able to remain at home or elsewhere following spring break should do so. For those residential students who will remain at UConn during spring break or have no alternative but to return to campus following spring break, Student Affairs/Residential Life will work directly with them to assess needs and ensure accommodation. The Rec Center will be closed, as will other facilities. A dining facility and other essential services will remain open.
- Effective Saturday, March 14, employees on the Storrs campus, regional campuses, and law school who are able to telecommute should plan to work from home, with the approval of their supervisor, until at least Monday, April 6. Employees must speak to their supervisors in advance to confirm they both agree that the employee is able to telecommute. Further guidance will be provided within the next 24 hours. Employees who cannot telecommute should report to work as scheduled.
- Also effective Saturday, March 14, no events larger than 100 people will be permitted on any campus. This includes all events, meetings and performances, which should be canceled or postponed if they involve more than 100 people. Extension faculty who work regularly with groups of people throughout the state on programming may continue to do so, provided the group is fewer than 100 people.
- With respect to intercollege athletics, competitions may continue. However, spectators will not be permitted to attend, per guidance from the NCAA, including for tournament games.
Greenwich Public Schools: District closure
Officials say that Greenwich public schools will close Thursday and will remain closed next week. Officials say they have worked with local health officials to reach the decision. They will continue to evaluate the circumstances over the coming days.
Keigwin Middle School closed Thursday and Friday
The Middletown school confirmed that they will be closed today and Friday. They join several other schools and school districts as officials take precautions against the coronavirus.
Gov. Lamont administration provides an update on coronavirus preparedness and response efforts
During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Lamont's administration confirmed a third case of coronavirus in Connecticut. The patient is an elderly gentleman who lives in a private residence in New Canaan and is hospitalized at Norwalk Hospital. There is no exposure threat that we can identify, according to Dr. Matthew Cartter DPH.
Connecticut College to move classes online
Connecticut College will transition to online classes starting after spring break and continue until at least April 30. The campus will not be closed and classes are set to begin March 25.
New Haven JCC to close until March 15 for cleaning
The New Haven JCC released a statement saying that its doors will be closed at least through March 15 for a "deep cleaning." Recently, the administration was made aware of family that was in contact with an individual that test positive with the virus. Several people with that said person have symptoms of illness.
Middletown cancels upcoming city events due to coronavirus
Middletown Mayor Benjamin Florsheim's office released a list of upcoming canceled upcoming city events. Some of those events include the Mayor's Ball and the Arts Advocacy Award Ceremony. You can read the full list of cancelations by clicking here.
Mayor Ganim announces all city senior centers to close out of abundance of caution to protect Bridgeport’s most vulnerable population
Mayor Ganim announced today that all city Senior Centers will close until further notice out of an abundance of caution to prevent seniors and our older population from contracting and suffering severe effects of the Coronavirus. After careful assessment of the present situation regarding COVID-19, effective tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, 2020, all City of Bridgeport Senior Centers will be closed until further notice. This decision to close the centers was made after diligent consideration of our most vulnerable populations being in the category of higher risk. Early data suggests older people are more likely to contract COVID-19 due to lower immune systems and they are more likely to have underlying health conditions. More >>
Hartford to temporarily close senior centers, pause daytime recreation for adults
The City of Hartford announced that effective Monday, March 16, 2020, the four senior centers in the city will be closed until further notice due to the elevated risk coronavirus poses to senior citizens, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. The City is working to ensure meal delivery to seniors who eat at the senior centers. In addition, the City will suspend daytime programming for adults at its two recreation centers, which is utilized primarily by retirees, also effective Monday, March 16, 2020. Both of these measures will be re-evaluated after two weeks. If residents are concerned about any symptoms they may have, they should call Hartford HealthCare’s hotline at 860-972-8100 to speak with a clinician. The latest information about coronavirus and guidance for residents is available in English and Spanish at Hartford.gov.
Manchester Community College will move all classes online after spring break. Their website said that this will be the case until at least Sunday, April 5. Campus will remain open for day-to-day functions and staff will be allowed on campus. For students who do not have access to the internet, computer labs will be available. All campus events scheduled between March 14 and April 5 are canceled (no matter the size), including those sponsored by external clients.
New Haven will close Nathan Hale School on Thursday March 12, 2020 and Friday March 13, 2020 due to an adult suspected of having COVID-19 being in limited contact with the school facility and a student under their care attending the school.
Hartford HealthCare Announced “Pilot” Drive-By Testing
There will be a 3pm press conference to showcase the drive-by and Telehealth Testing for COVID-19. More >>
WCSU info on coronavirus response
Western CT State University will be canceling on-campus classes starting this Friday until April 4. Students will take online classes only. The University will be open to conduct business operations only - The reason that the State Universities are doing this is because spring break starts on Friday, the University cannot guarantee that students did not visit prohibited areas.
Westport Schools Closed
We have just learned that a number of Westport parents and Westport Public School students, in schools throughout our district, were in contact with an individual presumed to be positive with coronavirus. Based upon discussions with and at the direction of Mr. Mark Cooper, Director of Health for the Westport Weston Health District, the Westport School District will be closed until further notice following today’s regularly scheduled dismissal. This includes all after-school and evening activities, including athletics. We will immediately begin deep cleaning our schools and in conjunction with the Westport Weston Health District will be consulting with state and federal officials.
Lauralton Hall in Milford closes
Lauralton Hall is closed March 11-13. Teaching and learning continues online.
Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show canceled due to public health concerns about coronavirus
The longtime producer of the Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show today announced the cancellation of its 23rd annual show, in response to increasing public health concerns about the Coronavirus COVID-19. Connecticut’s largest fishing and hunting show was scheduled to take place from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, 2020 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. There are no plans to reschedule the event that is always held just before the start of the spring fishing season. “This is the first time in the history of this family event that we have canceled even one day,” explains Kristie Gonsalves, President of North East Expos, Inc. and a past president of the National Association of Consumer Show Producers. “But as a responsible show producer, it is my job to ensure the safest and best environment for my exhibitors and the tens of thousands of attendees who come every year. I express my sincere appreciation to all the exhibitors, expert speakers, vendors and volunteers from across Connecticut and beyond who have worked so hard to prepare for this year’s consumer show.”
