East Hartford Takes Proactive Measures in Response to COVID-19

Posted on: March 13, 2020 - 4:22pm
covid 19

(March 13, 2020) East Hartford, CT— With confirmed community transmission in Connecticut of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we are focused on ensuring the health and safety of our residents. Following Governor Lamont’s declared civil preparedness and public health emergencies and coordination from the CDC and the Health Department, the Town of East Hartford has enacted several preventative measures, including social distancing.  

Social distancing is a commonly used public health practice that is known to be effective in slowing the transmission, or spread, of an infectious illness like COVID-19 and reducing its impact on a community. The CDC defines social distancing as avoiding mass gatherings and groups and maintaining a distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.

Effective immediately, all town events, programs, meetings and building rentals of the Parks and Recreation Department, Library, Youth Services and Senior Center have been canceled, and their buildings will be closed to the public until further notice. The Town Hall will remain open, but will implement social distancing practices and enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols. It is important that these procedures are in place to limit exposure risks. As the COVID-19 issue rapidly evolves, following the State Response Framework will best position us to meet the expectations of the community.

Additionally, the East Hartford Social Services Department will operate by appointment only until further notice. The East Hartford Public Schools will remain closed for at least two weeks. All school-sponsored extra-curricular activities such as sports, clubs, and building rentals have also been canceled. Please visit the East Hartford Public School’s website for details www.easthartford.org. If you have questions or concerns about existing or future building rentals, programs or services offered by a specific town department, please contact that department directly.

East Hartford’s administration, including the Health Department, Police Department, Fire Department and the East Hartford Public Schools have formed a committee called Unified Command. We have been engaged in regular strategic planning session as part of community wide preparedness to continue to actively monitor COVID-19.We maintain constant communication with CT DPH and the CDC and follow all state and federal guidance.

Please know, we are focused on maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for Town employees and the public. In order to protect our residents, businesses, visitors, and employees, East Hartford strongly recommends the cancelation or postponement of all events, meetings, and performances, if they involve more than 100 people. For events or meetings with less than 100 people, encourage those who are at higher risk due to age (60 or older) or other chronic conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those with weakened immune systems) not to attend or to dial in.

During this time we continue to monitor all aspects of our public facing organization and will implement additional measurers as required.

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including guidance and other resources, all residents in the state are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. For additional information visit our town website at www.easthartfordct.gov and the Town of East Hartford, CT—Government Facebook page.