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12/28/2020 11:00 PMIn a year marked by significant shifts locally, nationally, and globally, the COVID-19 still leads the list of concerns. Here’s a look at Madison’s response to the pandemic.
March
In the first week of March, First Selectman Peggy Lyons creates a list of events that might need to be canceled or postponed, as Connecticut reports its first cases of the virus.
On March 10, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) announces the cancellation of winter sports tournaments, ending the season for those athletes. A week later, the spring sports season is postponed indefinitely.
On March 13, Madison Public Schools close, with a plan to reevaluate every two weeks. Other schools in town, including Our Lady of Mercy Preparatory Academy and The Country School follow suit at the recommendation of local health officials.
On March 16, Governor Ned Lamont orders the closures of restaurants and bars as local eateries scramble to put together pickup and delivery options.
In mid March, town offices close to the public, with essential functions carried out remotely.
On March 26, Lyons forms a task force to help local businesses navigate closure orders and pandemic relief as the state shuts down non-essential businesses
In late March, the E.C. Scranton Library begins offering remote story times and other digital services with its physical location shuttered.
On March 31, Madison suffers its first COVID fatality.
April
Police Chief Jack Drumm says in early April that curfews or checkpoints may be necessary to prevent residents from gathering in groups larger than what is allowed by law.
The Madison Food Pantry closes its doors, instead distributing gift cards to those in need.
In mid April, most boards and commissions begin meeting in fully virtual settings.
Youth & Family Services begins providing direct payments to residents in need, funded by the Madison Foundation’s Neighbor 2 Neighbor program.
May
Fireworks and the popular 4th of July parade are officially canceled.
On May 20, businesses are officially allowed to reopen, though many opt for a gradual progression with limited hours or access.
June
Town offices reopen by appointment only to the public.
The class of 2020 graduates at a drive-up ceremony in the high school parking lot, with decorated cars and a parade around the green in place of traditional festivities and celebrations.
July
The Scranton Library begins offering pick-up and drop-off services at its downtown location on July 13, though the building remains closed to the public.
On July 24, the school district submits its initial reopening plan to the state, aiming for a full five day per week start to the fall.
On July 31, CIAC announces plans for fall sports as high school athletes prepare for a return to practice in August.
August
The town announces significant beach restrictions in response to potential crowding issues, going so far as to fully ban non-residents from town beaches in early August.
On Aug. 11, voters make their first trip to the polls under pandemic conditions for primary elections, and the town begins to assess how to handle absentee voting ahead of the November presidential contest.
Schools receive pushback from many residents after tweaking reopening plans to a fully hybrid schedule.
September
For the first time in nearly seven months, Madison students step back into classrooms on Sept. 8 for hybrid learning as the district seeks to navigate the challenges of pandemic learning.
October
Down but not out: The town adapts its popular Trunk or Treat Halloween event to a drive-through model.
November
On Nov. 13, the Madison Historical Society premieres a documentary showing the effects of the pandemic on residents and businesses.
Daniel Hand High School reverts to full distance learning for three weeks in the face of increasing virus cases.
December
In mid December, COVID vaccines begin arriving in Madison, which will serve as a distribution center for nearby towns as a mass vaccination effort begins across the country