'A Bit Of A Hot Spot': Colleges Bring 2nd Virus Wave To Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — As coronavirus cases have increased in recent weeks at Fairfield and Sacred Heart universities, so too has Fairfield residents’ anxiety about the spread of the virus.

The Fairfield Board of Selectmen addressed the case spike at a meeting Monday, where Health Department Director Sands Cleary said the town was at the start of a second wave of the pandemic and that the universities were the main source of recent local cases.

“This is a particularly active, social population that presents different dynamics than families with children and the elderly,” he said.

As of Monday, Fairfield University had recorded 285 cases, and Sacred Heart University had reported 110 cases among its on-campus population only, according to town data. Sacred Heart spokeswoman Deb Noack said in an email Tuesday the school had 60 active cases and a positivity rate of 0.69 percent.

The town of Fairfield as of Monday had a total of 1,047 cases and 146 deaths since the pandemic first hit Connecticut in March, although only 221 of the nearly 400 university cases were included in that number.

“We’re looking more like a bit of a hot spot,” said Selectwoman Nancy Lefkowitz, who noted many residents had expressed frustration and concern to her about the situation.

Of all the cases in town since March, 28 percent have affected people associated with eldercare facilities and 21 percent have involved the two universities, Cleary said, adding the average age of a coronavirus patient in Fairfield is currently 23, compared to 75 during the spring wave of the virus.

“The key thing to stress in terms of what’s happening now is it’s really small gatherings that are leading to transmissions,” he said.

Fairfielders should expect more cases in the coming weeks, according to Cleary. In the past month, the number of cases in town has jumped by nearly 300, according to state data.

“We are not likely to enforce our way out of this,” Cleary said, adding that despite the possibility of fines, tickets and closures, it is up to individuals to limit attendance at events, wear a face mask, maintain social distance, stay home when sick and wash hands thoroughly.

Cleary did note that both Fairfield and Sacred Heart universities have locked down dorms in certain cases and conducted targeted testing on specific populations. Fairfield University students who live off campus in the beach area are banned from campus until Friday and have been directed not to leave their yards. Students who don’t comply with virus prevention protocols risk expulsion.

“Are people violating that? Potentially,” Cleary said. “… No one has the resources to check on every single case.”

Fairfield University is following up with students who are quarantined to offer support, according to First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick. Most college students who test positive for the virus choose to self-isolate in their parents’ home or a third location, according to Cleary.

Kupchick clarified Monday that she does not have the authority to shut down the universities in town. That power lies with the state.