March 31: It is with great sadness that I share with you the news of Madison’s first COVID-19 related death. We received confirmation yesterday that the resident who passed away was a 76-year-old female who was hospitalized after recently testing positive for COVID-19. It is unknown how the individual contracted the illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.

Currently, Madison has 14 residents who have tested positive for the virus, and we expect these numbers to continue to grow in the coming days and weeks as community spread continues. This unfortunate news highlights the urgent need for everyone living in Madison to practice social distancing and to self-quarantine if showing symptoms or if arriving from a hot spot area such as Fairfield County or New York City.

As the weather becomes warmer, it is important that people continue to follow the governor’s order limiting social and recreational gatherings to no more than five people outside of a family group. This includes any indoor or outdoor activities, including sports, and applies to any private or public facility. Over these last few days, I have received many reports of young people, in particular, gathering in parking lots, at our parks, and at our beaches. If you have not done so already, I urge all Madison parents to have a serious conversation with their children about the importance of staying home and not gathering with people outside of their household. Young people are able to contract this virus, too, and they are able to transmit this disease to others who may be more vulnerable. It is important that everyone, no matter what age, fully understand and appreciate the potential ramifications of their actions.

The governor announced today an agreement with over 50 state banks and credit unions to provide mortgage payment relief for individuals and business owners impacted by the public health emergency, including a 90-day grace period and a moratorium on foreclosures. For more information on these and other assistance programs at the state and local level, please visit the town of Madison website at madisonct.org. We will update it with information and links as soon as it becomes available.

Our prayers remain with the family, friends, and neighbors of this Madison resident who has fallen victim to this virus. Now more than ever, each of us must do our part as a citizen and community member to minimize its spread by staying safe, healthy, and at home.