Dear Residents,

We learned today a student who was attending Grove School in Madison tested positive for COVID-19. With the initial onset of symptoms, the student was immediately isolated, transported to his home in the New York area, and the school was advised to close early for spring break as a precaution.

While the student is a resident of a neighboring state, it is an important reminder that we should assume we are at the community spread stage of this disease for the entire state of Connecticut.  Every resident of Madison, no matter their age or circumstances, should take personal responsibility for themselves, their family and their neighbors, by limiting physical contact with individuals outside of their family. However, we do encourage you to stay in close communication with your loved ones, neighbors and friends through technology, so you can stay connected and provide support to each other in these difficult times, especially those who might be socially isolated.  The town is actively working on new ways we can co-ordinate with outside groups to help this segment of the population, including seniors and families in need.

As a parent of two young children, I recognize what a challenge this creates for families stuck at home. Although Madison has a number of beautiful outdoor spaces like our beaches, parks and walking trails, congregating in large groups (10 or more) even outdoors, is not advised, as well as any contact sport activities. Please do everything you can to practice social distancing and self-isolation for the health and safety of your families.

As a reminder, the Governor’s declaration yesterday requires all our local restaurants to be limited to take-out service only. Please support them and local retailers as much as possible while also practicing social distancing. In addition, the Department of Public Health has urged all barbers, salons, and other businesses that require direct physical contact with customers to cease operations indefinitely.   By taking this action, salons and similar businesses will be in alignment with the current restrictions placed on businesses like restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters.   Madison’s Director of Health will be issuing further directives shortly for local businesses that provide these services.

Thank you to everyone in the Madison community for your cooperation during these challenging times. We can minimize the impact of this terrible virus on our town by following closely the recommended guidelines provided by the Governor’s office, the Department of Public Health, and the CDC.  Stay healthy, safe and calm.  

Kind Regards,

Peggy Lyons

First Selectwoman