COVID-19 Hotline: 203-576-8426
City of Bridgeport COVID-19 Response
The City of Bridgeport Department of Health & Social Services is actively monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak and participating in state and federal calls to ensure we are up-to-date on the latest CDC guidance. At the moment, there is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
• Wear a mask or other face covering-- this is now a State and local requirement. Click here for more information. Face coverings or higher level of protection is required when in public or wherever close contact is unavoidable
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Connecticut Business Reopening Guidelines:
Governor Ned Lamont's administration released documents detailing specific rules that eligible businesses falling under phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening plans must follow amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase – which includes restaurants; offices; hair salons and barbershops; retail stores; and outdoor museums and zoos – is currently planned to take effect beginning May 20.
Documents containing the rules for the first phase of reopening have been published on the state’s coronavirus website – please click here – and are available to download directly at these links:
Outdoor Dining Permit Process: Click here
What Should You Do If You Feel Sick?
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and feel you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, don’t panic-- stay home, self-isolate, and call your doctor. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms include: headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden loss of smell or taste.
Please do not go to a doctor’s office or emergency department in person without calling ahead and speaking to a health care provider.
Testing Sites
If you are feeling symptomatic, there are several test site options available to you.
St. Vincent’s Medical Center (HARTFORD HEALTH CARE)
2800 Main Street
(860) 972-8100
9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., 7 days a week
By appointment only
Bridgeport Hospital (YALE NEW HAVEN HEALTH)
226 Mill Hill Ave
(833) 275-9644
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Friday
9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Saturday and Sunday
By appointment only
Southwest Community Health Center
510 Clinton Ave
(203) 330-6000
8:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M., Monday to Friday
By appointment only
Optimus Health Care
982 East Main Street (Parking garage available)
(203) 696-3260
9:00 A.M. to 4:15 P.M., Monday to Friday
Prefer to call first
DOCS URGENT CARE
1677 East Main Street
(203) 612-7929
9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday to Friday
Prefer to call first
Updates from City of Bridgeport Department Heads
Click here or watch below
"How We Feel" App
Download the How We Feel to provide the medical community with critical health information needed to understand the spread of COVID-19.
Through the How We Feel app or online, users anonymously self-report basic health information once a day. The data is provided to leading medical institutions so they can better spot emerging outbreaks, identify at-risk populations, and determine the efficacy of public health measures such as social distancing.
The app is available for free in the Apple App Store, Google Play store and online at howwefeel.app. No login or personal information such as name or email address is required.
Getting this data to the medical community as quickly as possible enables them to make faster decisions to help slow the virus and save lives. It also will help guide our decision-makers as we look to get the state back to work.
Feeling worried and/or anxious during this time?
- Get plenty of rest.
- Spend time outside when you can.
- Try to eat healthy foods.
- Stay informed, but don’t let yourself become overwhelmed by news online and on TV. Disconnect for at least part of your day.
- Reach out to family, friends, and neighbors by phone call and video chat.
Additional hotlines for more COVID related questions:
Bridgeport Hospital: (203) 688-1700 (local); (833) 484-1200 (toll-free)
Hartford Health Care: (860) 972-8100 or (toll-free) (833) 621-0600.
Bridgeport Health Department: (203) 576-8426
Isolation vs. Quarantine vs. Social Distancing:
Are you sick and not sure what to do? Did someone close to you recently find out they have COVID-19? Confused about the terms isolation, quarantine, and social distancing? Click this chart for advice in both English and Spanish.
What Can We All Do Right Now?
Stay Safe, Stay Home, Save Lives: Keep Physical Distance
Help minimize the spread of COVID-19 by keeping physical distance from others (also called "social distancing"). Many measures have been taken and regulations passed to help people keep physical distance from each other, including: closing schools, canceling large gatherings/meetings, and temporary business closures and remote work. Even more effort is needed.
Please, only leave home for essential trips (groceries, medical care, work), and if you spend time outside or in public spaces, keep at least 6 feet distance between yourself and others.
If you must leave home, CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings to slow the spread of the virus. However, CDC does not recommend that the general public use surgical masks or N95 respirators; save these supplies for healthcare workers and other first responders. CDC guidance, including how to make and wear face coverings, can be found here.
These steps are disruptive and difficult, and they may seem extreme. However, they are the strongest public health steps we can take as a community to slow the spread of this virus, prevent the health care system from becoming overwhelmed, protect the most at-risk members of our community from serious illness (also referred to as “flattening the curve”).
Food Banks & Pantries
Testing Center Information
Other Resources:
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