'Small Outbreak' Of COVID-19 Cases Closes Middletown City Hall

Middletown CT

02 August, 2021

6:06 PM

Description

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A "small outbreak" of COVID-19 cases among city employees has closed Middletown City Hall for the rest of the week, according to Mayor Ben Florsheim. Florsheim announced Monday that City Hall will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, Aug. 3, and will tentatively reopen on Monday, Aug. 9. Staff will be working either remotely or in shifts during this time to "ensure continued operations of all essential business," according to officials. "Due to a small outbreak of COVID-19 cases among city employees, several staff members are currently quarantining," Florsheim said in a news release. "In the past 24 hours, as more information came to light suggesting a much larger outbreak would be possible without immediate action to restrict the spread of disease, we came to the decision that the best option for the safety of our staff and the public is to work fully remotely for the next few days. Employees will return to work following the most up-to-date guidance from the CDC and local public health officials." City health officials said they don't believe there is a risk to members of the public who have visited City Hall in recent days. "Nevertheless, the city continues to encourage all residents to mask up, wash hands frequently, practice social distancing, and to quarantine and get tested per CDC guidelines," officials wrote in the news release. A list of free COVID-19 testing locations in Middletown can be found here. See also: Middletown Re-Institutes Mask Mandate In City Buildings "During this period, voicemails and emails will be monitored and essential city business will continue," the news release states. "Payment of bills, including city taxes, may be done online, or by using drop boxes located at City Hall." If residents need assistance, they can leave a message with the department in question or with the Mayor's Office at 860-638-4801. Contact information for all city departments is located here. "I understand that people are concerned about the uptick in cases, and at the same time are exhausted by the relentless and changing nature of the Covid-19 pandemic," Florsheim said. "I encourage everyone to wear their masks in indoor public settings, and to be patient with one another as public health guidance evolves. My personal thinking when making decisions is to ask what can I do to minimize the risk not only to myself, but to other people. There are some in our community who simply cannot take the Covid-19 vaccine, and those who are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, I hope each individual will make the compassionate choice to do everything possible to ensure everyone's safety and well-being."