In these uncertain times, please be assured that our town leaders are doing everything within our ability and authority to keep our citizens safe. As of Mar. 26, 2020, Norfolk does have one reported case of COVID-19 and, realistically, we assume there are more. Even with this development, we are operating under the concept of “hope for the best but plan for the worst”. To help lessen the chance of a local outbreak, we urge Norfolk citizens to follow the suggestions of Governor Lamont, with social distancing and staying home as much as possible.  The office of the First Selectman further requested that visitors from areas where the infection rate is high quarantine themselves in their homes for 14 days. To find the latest guidance from the State of Connecticut along with newest testing results visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus. Information is updated daily and will be helpful for families and businesses with questions. 

Our volunteers on the ambulance and fire department have been given recent refresher training on using proper protection equipment, and both departments currently have enough equipment on hand based on current transport volume, with more on order. In the spirit of community collaboration, Northwestern Regional 7 High School loaned equipment to New Hartford, Winsted and Norfolk ambulances to use during this emergency. This includes sterilization equipment so that we can safely clean and reuse N95 masks, face shields and eye protection. They also donated gowns and eye protection that they had in stock from their public health and chemistry classes.

Our emergency management officials, Richard Byrne and Jon Barbagallo, have been meeting with First Selectman Matt Riiska daily and participate in numerous conference calls each day with Governor Lamont and leaders at the CT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security. We are in contact with our church leaders, philanthropic agencies and Botelle School to ensure that the immediate needs of our families and at-risk citizens are addressed.

We are working with our local businesses, with information sharing on legal and financial resources as it becomes available. Working with the Norfolk Foundation, we have created a simple online survey that we are urging all Norfolk businesses and civic organizations to fill out as often as they have changes to their business hours or operations. The link can be found here:

http://survey.constantcontact.com/…/a07egz5h2jdk7vxqs…/start

The information that we receive will be shared so that Norfolk citizens can stay updated as much as possible. We also urge that you follow each business or organization’s social media and websites, and shop at those stores that can stay open like the Berkshire Country Store and Wood Creek Bar & Grill.

You can find the published survey results on the following website and social media platforms:

NEMD on Facebook: fb.me/NorfolkEMD

NEMD on Twitter: @NorfolkEMD

Town of Norfolk: norfolkct.org

Norfolk Hub on Facebook: fb.me/norfolkhubct

Norfolk Hub on Twitter: @NorfolkHubCT

Norfolk Hub on Instagram: norfolkhubct

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, we are also working to ensure that basic town services go uninterrupted as much as possible. This includes Town Hall activities which can be done online, via phone or by appointment. Our town crew continues to work on road projects and our transfer station continues to be open as scheduled.

As always, you can reach out to the Selectmen’s Office with any questions, concerns, or offers of assistance that you may have. 860-542-5829

Good health to everyone!