Camillo Urges Caution As Greenwich Enters Holiday Season

GREENWICH, CT — First Selectman Fred Camillo is urging residents to "be careful" as the number of positive cases of the coronavirus continues to rise in Greenwich.

During a press update Wednesday afternoon, Camillo said a total of 1,656 residents have tested positive for the virus, representing an increase of 181 cases since last week. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"This was kind of predicted," Camillo said, "not only because of the second wave and the colder weather, but also with the kids coming back from school in various states and the [holiday] gatherings."

Camillo said there are currently 110 active cases of the virus, which is 22 more than last week. Three residents have died as a result of the virus in the past week, bringing the total number to 58, Camillo said.

As the town enters the holiday season, a time when residents typically gather together more frequently, Camillo said he wants residents to enjoy the season, but to do so cautiously.

"We want people to have some sense of normalcy," Camillo said, "we just want them to do it safely. It's the same message that...everyone has been giving since March; to try and go about your daily lives and enjoy your family, but just know that we're in a danger zone right now and that everything has to be done with that in mind."

Camillo encouraged residents to enjoy fun activities this month, including dining at local restaurants, but to do so in a safe manner.

"Just bring your mask, wash your hands, keep a distance and go, but be careful," Camillo said. "That's the main message here: just be careful."

According to Greenwich Hospital president Diane Kelly, there are currently 34 patients who have tested positive for the virus being treated at Greenwich Hospital. Of those patients, three are in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Kelly noted the hospital is currently seeing a positivity rate of 11% over a seven-day average, which is up from 9.7% on Nov. 20.

"Before this [current] wave, we were hovering around 8%," Kelly said during the briefing. "It's important to remember that not everybody with a positive test actually comes into the hospital, and some actually never have symptoms."

As the staff at Greenwich Hospital continues to work to serve the community, Kelly said the hospital and Yale New Haven Health are working to support employees who may be experiencing "pandemic fatigue."

Some services offered to staff include confidential counseling and virtual support/healing circles. Kelly noted hospital staff just "ran into the fire" without knowing what to expect when the umber of positive cases of the virus began to quickly increase back in March.

"They did what great healthcare workers do," Kelly said. "They didn't walk away, and [instead] went full face-on to do what they needed to do. Now they're more tired, and they know the stressors."

She also noted any signs of stress or fatigue among the hospital's staff are not noticeable while they are delivering care to patients.

"I just walk on the floor and see the amazing spirit they have and the amazing care they're providing, and you would not know it if you’re looking at them delivering care," Kelly said," but we are being mindful of it and we are putting things in place."

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