Guilford Responds to the COVID Pandemic
In a year marked by significant shifts locally, nationally, and globally, the COVID-19 still leads the list of concerns. Here’s a look at Guilford’s response to the pandemic.
March
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.
Guilford Public Schools (GPS) announces on March 13 that the schools are closing for at least two weeks due to the burgeoning pandemic in a shared regional decision, sending students home with supplemental learning material and plans to reevaluate the closure by the end of the month.
On March 16, Governor Ned Lamont orders the closures of restaurants and bars as Guilford eateries scramble to put together pickup and delivery options.
The Women & Family Life Center begins distributing grants to hundreds of individuals and families affected by the pandemic, funded by the Guilford Foundation.
On March 27, volunteers announce a program to begin grocery shopping for seniors, headed by retired teacher Dennis Culliton
April
In April, the town closes the dog park and removes hoops from the basketball courts in response to social distancing violations.
Lamont extends school closures until at least May 20 as Guilford administrators begin planning for pandemic-safe graduation ceremonies.
The town purchases 10,000 masks, which are distributed to any resident who wants them by staff and volunteers from Guilford CARES.
May
Local healthcare organizations hold a parade supported by town leaders honoring the contribution of nurses through the pandemic during National Nurses Week on May 6.
In early May, musician and Guilford native Kristy Kimber releases a special video honoring local families during the pandemic.
The dog park reopens in early May with officials saying they will continue to monitor for social distancing violations.
Organizers announce the Guilford Fair will be canceled for the first time since World War II.
Restaurants begin reopening at a reduced capacity of outdoor seating beginning May 20.
June
Youth sports and a limited selection of summer camps begin at the end of June, with mask and social distancing requirements keeping capacity down.
In late June, the town postpones fireworks and most summer concerts with the hope of holding them later in the summer.
On June 22, the Guilford Center for Children brings back students for its pre-school summer program at a reduced capacity.
July
GPS releases the first outline for reopening on July 27 as school administrators across the state grapple with how to bring students safely back during an ongoing pandemic.
On July 31, CIAC announces plans for fall sports as Guilford athletes prepare for a return to practice in August.
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.
September
On Sept. 16, Guilford students attend class in-person for the first time since March, with the district reopening in a hybrid model while planning for full five day school weeks in October.
October
Schools announce they will not return to full in-person instruction on Oct. 19 as originally planned, citing state and nation-wide surges in virus cases.
Halloween activities, including the annual “Spooktacular” celebration on the green, are canceled.
In late October, the Community Center begins offering weekly drive-through lunches to seniors, a program which it plans to continue through January.
November
The Nov. 3 Presidential election sees almost 90 percent turnout and close to half of those voting absentee as Guilford residents make their voices heard during the pandemic.
December
Guilford Social Services and the Guilford Police Department distribute gift cards in place of their annual holiday basket and food drives.
Local health officials begin to distribute vaccines for the COVID-19 virus.