Selectman’s Corner

By Matt Riiska

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of events and news as we have gotten further into this Covid-19 pandemic. We are all adjusting to a new rhythm of daily life, and every day brings new and startling updates. 

As for the town government, we are functioning normally with a few exceptions. There are a number of us who are here daily conducting business as usual while keeping to our social distancing. Our town hall is closed to the public, but all departments are monitoring their emails and calls and will take care of items that need their attention as quickly as possible. Please go to norfolkct.org for department phone numbers and email addresses.

Meetings of the boards, commissions and committees will continue with their normal schedules, as best as possible, using video and audio conferencing via Zoom and other communication services. This information will be posted with meeting agendas. There will be issues I am sure, but we will be making every attempt to keep all information open to the public, especially now during budget time.

The Town of Norfolk has signed a “Declaration of Local State of Emergency.” This was done at the suggestion of our area representative to the Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (DEMHS), and it will allow Norfolk to apply for any necessary equipment and funds as time goes on.

We continue to receive updates from the State DEMHS daily, along with updates from the governor’s office. For all of the executive orders and a list of “essential” businesses you can go to: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/Governors-Actions/Executive-Orders

There has been some concern about the governor’s “Stay Safe—Stay Home” order. It is a recommendation that has been in effect since March 23. The governor requests the following:

• Non-essential public community gatherings of individuals of any size and for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) should be canceled or postponed at this time;
• If you must leave your home, do not travel in groups—groups must be limited to workers providing essential services;
• Everyone should keep at least six feet away from others whenever possible;
• Businesses and entities that provide other essential services should implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
• Individuals should limit outdoor recreation to non-contact activities and avoid all activities that bring them into close contact with others;
• Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
• Sick individuals should not leave their home except to fill critical needs or to receive medical care, and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
• Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
• Observe precautionary sanitary practices such as hand washing, using hand sanitizer and wiping surfaces with isopropyl alcohol wipes. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds works best.

Please know that you can still go out to the grocery store, gas station or pharmacy and to any restaurant that offers takeout. In this time when restaurants are closed for regular business, please consider ordering takeout from our local establishments when possible.

I also want to comment on the impact this has had on our schools. I was on a conference with the Board of Education. The administration and staff, along with the Board of Ed, are doing a terrific job getting their virtual learning process going. With very little time to get things organized, they are making it work. Great job. My only comment to parents is to make sure your kids get out and get some exercise and fresh air. Although there are restrictions in regards to social gatherings, they still need to be kids.

With everything going on, there has been an awful lot of organization and support. Knowing how much people care about our town, I am not surprised. If you have any questions or have an issue please contact the selectmen’s office at 860-542-5829 or email me at firstselectman@norfolkct.org.

We will get through this. Check on your neighbors and friends via email, text, phone or snail mail. And remember, get out of the house and go for a walk. 

Thanks and take care.