North Haven Coronavirus Update: 1st Resident Dies

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A North Haven resident has died from complications of the new coronavirus, First Selectman Michael J. Freda announced Wednesday. It is the town’s first confirmed death related to COVID-19. There were no details provided regarding the resident’s age or gender.

Freda also said that the town’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 has increased from 31 to 45 since Sunday. He added that there were 31 confirmed cases as of Wednesday afternoon and another 14 will be reported Thursday morning.

“This is something that we are watching every day,” Freda said in an update Wednesday night. “I was surprised how quickly the numbers multiplied since this past Sunday. And sadly, here at Town Hall, one of our beloved staff members who has so faithfully served the town of North Haven residents with me for the past 10 and a half years is bed-ridden right now, struggling to breathe, temperature vacillating back and forth.

“She’s really been struggling significantly. We check in with her occasionally and wish her the best. We love her, we miss her and we thank her for everything she has done for the town of North Haven over the years. We know she’ll be back sooner or later.”

Freda said seeing first-hand with one of the town’s own employees causes them to “pause and reflect how treacherous and ferocious” COVID-19 can be.

Freda said that the town is now seeing the economic impact with 37 business projects that were in development coming to a halt during the pandemic. He also noted that Ruby Tuesday’s has permanently closed and the Cinemark movie theater is temporarily closed. He said the town is financially in a “very strong position” right now with healthy reserves.

While municipalities are going through their budget process and surrounding towns are proposing raising taxes, Freda said there will not be a mill rate increase in North Haven, but a mill rate decrease. He said he will provide details in upcoming updates.

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