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03/30/2020 12:00 AMNews of Branford's first death due to COVID-19 was issued to the press at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 30, in official statement from the Office of the First Selectman and the East Shore District Health Department (ESDHD). The Connecticut Department of Public Health confirmed the first fatality. The deceased was a female between the ages of 80-90 years old.
"We are deeply saddened to announce that a Branford resident has died as a result of her contracting COVID-19. This terrible virus has taken a life in our community and that loss of life gives each of us pause and fills us with sorrow. Our prayers go out to the family," said Cosgrove in the release.
The press release noted Cosgrove made the announcement just seven days after news of Branford's first two cases of COVID-19 were reported, on March 23. On March 29, the town reported more than 13 postive cases of COVID-19.
"As we see more positive cases of COVID-19 reported in our community daily, we are saddened to hear of any fatalities from this virus," noted ESDHD Director of Health Michael Pascucilla in the release. "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the individual in our district who died from complications due to the coronavirus. Our local public health department also wants to inform our communities we are in regular communication with all of our senior living environment and facilities and we are working closely with state health officials in our investigations. We have also implemented the strictest public health interventions/residence protections in cooperation with every senior living environment within our health district communities."
Cosgrove continues to express the Town of Branford's main objective is to continue to keep residents safe and slow the spread of the virus. He also wants to assure our residents that his leadership staff and all town departmentsare working daily with the local pu blic health department, along with state and federal officials.
"The single best way to slow the spread is to practice social distancing, and the Town of Branford is recommending that all individuals both adults and children, stay home and not interact with individuals outside of the household," said Pascucilla.
Noting social distancing is crucial in helping to reduce the spread of the virus and limit the number of people who are infected,
Cosgrove said, "We must remain diligent in exercising the prudent recommendations to slow the spread of the virus. These measures will help protect our community against a widespread outbreak. Our strength as a community is galvanized when tragedy occurs. The loss of a fellow resident underscores the fact that we must be united in taking preventative measures to protect our community."
The press release reminds community members that everyone should be taking the everyday preventative actions to help protect themselves and that Branford has closed all public buildings for in-person appointments, and closed its outdoor recreational playgrounds and park and recreation facilities. School buildings also remained closed; with remote learning underway for the district's school-aaged children.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the community is urged to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, avoid crowds, wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds and stay home if you're sick.
For the most current COVID-19 updates and recommendations, visit ct.gov/coronavirus. For general questions, call 211.COVID-19 is a Novel Coronavirus which first emerged in China in December 2019, and is now considered a global
pandemic outbreak. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include
vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. For more information, resources, hotlines, testing, and how you can support local
businesses while practicing social distancing, please visit: http://www.esdhd.org/coronavirus.