Next week's Danbury City Council meeting will be a virtual meeting.  The governing body meets monthly, so this is the first one since the coronavirus outbreak started in Connecticut. 

Mayor Mark Boughton says they'll have only a few agenda items, but one is a property tax deferral program for residents, businesses and non-profits.  Boughton says it's a 90-day extension to July 1st.  But Boughton cautioned, it's a deferral program so residents, businesses and nonprofits will still have to pay the taxes that are due-- and 3-percent interest.  Boughton says the City can't waive the interest. 

One thing that can't be held virtually is the annual Memorial Day Parade.  Boughton says it's been canceled this year.  Some questioned why the decision was made this far in advance, and Boughton says it's because non-refundable deposits on bands and expenses start now. The parade takes about 10 weeks of planning.

Boughton says his personal recommendation is that people wear a mask, as much as possible, particularly when outside shopping.  He says a surgical mask or a bandana covering your nose and mouth can be beneficial.  Boughton says N95 masks are difficult to come by and should only be used by health care providers and first responders because they have to be properly fitted.

A mask does not guarantee you won't get sick. Health officials urge everyone to still wash hands frequently, practice social distancing, and not gather in groups larger than 5 people.

Right now the CDC has not taken a position on wearing a mask.