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March 13, 2020 Coronavirus crisis: cancellations and preparations

YNH to commence coronavirus testing 

PHOTOS | New Haven BIZ YNH President and CEO Borgstrom at the Friday afternoon press conference with Steven Choi, MD (left), chief quality officer for YNH and the Yale School of Medicine, and Chief Medical Officer Thomas Balcezak, MD.
By Michael C. Bingham

The Yale New Haven Health system may commence testing for the pandemic coronavirus as soon as late Friday, and regular testing for COVID-19 could be in place next week.

That announcement came at a Friday afternoon press conference at YNH. According to Thomas Balcezak, MD, YNH’s chief medical officer, “Yesterday I received information from our head of hospital virology, Dr. Marie Landry, that she successfully was able to use our equipment and was able to test for the disease.

“She’s taking some final steps to verify and validate [those results], and we believe we may be testing as soon as this afternoon,” Balcezak said. “And we hope by the middle of next week we will have substantial capacity to do testing here in this building [55 Park Street].”

Balcezak estimated that “substantial capacity” could include up to 200 tests daily on the campus of Yale-New Haven Hospital.

The new announcement follows in the wake of revelations of a systemic failure on the part of the state’s Department of Public Health, which as of Thursday had performed only 90 COVID-19 tests in all of Connecticut since the outbreak of the virus. 

YNH  provided an update on measures taken throughout the health system to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While neighboring states, particularly New York and Rhode Island, have been hit hard, we have felt the impact here in Connecticut,” said YNH President and CEO Marna P. Borgstrom.

CMO Balcezak announced that COVID-19 testing could begin by the end of Friday.

Gov. Ned Lamont reported at a press conference Thursday that six people in the state had tested positive for coronavirus.

Of those, two had been treated at YNH’s Bridgeport and Greenwich hospitals, have since been discharged are now at home and recovering, Borgstrom said.

“While we’re fortunate right now that none of these incidents has led to widespread exposure, they speak to the community spread of this virus and the need for exceptional efforts to stem the tide, so that we don’t find ourselves in a far worse situation,” Borgstrom said.

As of Thursday, YNH had implemented a new visitor-restriction policy aimed at stanching the spread of COVID-19 in its hospitals, including Yale-New Haven, Bridgeport and Greenwich Hospital.

“Our top priority remains the safety of our employees, our medical staff, our patients and our visitors,” said Borgstrom.

In addition, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said that the city’s health department, which earlier Friday announced closing of all public schools, libraries and senior centers, was shortly to announce further restrictions on public gatherings. These might include, for example, St. Patrick’s Day-related parties at city bars and restaurants.

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Yale Innovation Summit 

Yale University announced Friday it is cancelling the Yale Innovation Summit scheduled for May 13 because of the outbreak.

Instead, Yale is focused on next year’s summit, tentatively scheduled for May 19, 2021.

Jon Soderstrom, managing director of Yale’s Office of Cooperative Research called it a “difficult decision,” one he based on guidance from Yale’s Official COVID-19 Task Force. It advised that “social distancing is the best preventative measure.”

“Although unfortunate, our commitment to the safety and well-being of the Yale community and our entire ecosystem is our top priority,” Soderstrom said in an announcement. “We appreciate the support of our Summit sponsors, registrants and participants more than we can adequately express.”

Anyone who has already purchased a ticket to the event will be refunded. Yale will be reaching out to all sponsors and partners about next steps. 

Elicker issues emergency order re: city business occupancy

On Friday, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker issued an emergency order to implement half-occupancy for Elm City establishments in response to the coronavirus threat.

Elicker indicated he took the action in direct response to Gov. Lamont’s declaration of a statewide, public health emergency. The city order goes into effect on Sunday, March 15.

“There is no question that COVID-19 poses a real threat to the health and well-being of our residents, and those that may be traveling to New Haven,” Elicker said in an announcement. “In an abundance of caution, and to reduce the spread of the virus, we are enforcing that all establishments have their occupancies reduced by half.”

Establishments with a capacity of 16 or more, such as movie theaters, symphony and concert halls, studios, theaters, banquet halls, nightclubs, restaurants, taverns and bars are among those affected. 

The New Haven Fire Department will enforce the order.

Water safety

The Regional Water Authority is assuring customers that the virus poses no risk to drinking water. According to the RWA, its regular water treatment processes include disinfecting all water before it reaches customers.

From now until April 30, the RWA will not shut off water service to customers who haven’t paid their bills. At the end of April, the company will revisit this policy.

“Access to water is critical to the protection of health and safety at all times, but particularly when managing a serious disease outbreak like COVID-19,” said Larry Bingaman, RWA president and CEO. “No one should be deprived of access to tap water due to inability to pay during this time of heightened need.” 

The company is asking customers to refrain from scheduling any in-home appointments if they or household members are exhibiting any symptoms of the illness.

Theaters change schedules due to virus

Following Gov. Ned Lamont’s order prohibiting gatherings of more than 250 people, the Shubert Theatre posted on its website Wednesday that it has postponed all events and performances through April 30. Management indicated that it has implemented enhanced cleaning throughout the venue and offices, including heightened daily disinfection of high-touch surfaces.

At Long Wharf Theatre, management announced on its website that all performances of The Chinese Lady have been cancelled. The show had been scheduled to run through April 12.

Credit Union aims to curb coronavirus worries about cash

Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, headquartered in Rocky Hill, is offering tips and services to help families and small businesses weather the coronavirus storm. 

The credit union offers online remote banking in the event of a family illness or inability to reach a branch. Tips include keeping a cash reserve and if needed, pursuing mortgage refinancing or securing short-term loans.

If illness causes a financial hardship, the credit union can help people remain financially stable, such as through its Loan Skip-a-Payment program. This can help provide security during temporary loss of income by allowing a borrower to skip a loan payment. 

The credit union also provides short-term borrowing options and zero percent interest credit cards to help individuals and businesses bridge financial gaps. 

Visit www.nutmegstatefcu.org for more information.

- Michelle Tuccitto Sullo contributed to this report.

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