Old Lyme Announces First Confirmed Case of COVID-19

OLD LYME — Updated 3/31: We learned today from First Selectman Griswold that the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Old Lyme is a female, aged 64.

Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold announced in a statement published at 11 a.m. Sunday (March 29) morning that, “Old Lyme now has our first confirmed case of a resident who has tested positive for COVID-19,” adding, “We will keep this individual and their family in our thoughts and wish them a full recovery.”

The statement continues, “As this disease has spread rapidly across the state, it is not surprising that our community has been affected as well. This news is not cause for panic. Continue to wash your hands with soap often, avoid crowds, practice social distancing, stay home and limit outside travel, and remember to call and check on your neighbors and loved ones.”

Griswold emphasizes, “The best thing we can do at this juncture is to continue to pull together as a town. If you exhibit any of the signs of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) please be sure to call your doctor right away. Isolate yourself within your home, away from other family members, if possible. If you need to call for emergency services, make sure to let them know the symptoms you are experiencing so they can use personal protective equipment upon arrival.”

Concluding, “We realize that this news is unsettling,” Griswold notes, “We are working on creating a list of mental health resources that will be available on our website for those who need help coping with stress, anxiety, and/or panic. We are keeping all information about COVID-19 on our website. You can also sign up for text alerts by texting OLCOVID19 to 888-777. We will continue communicating updates as we move through these uncharted waters. If you have questions, please get in touch with the Ledge Light Health District.”