Westport Emergency Operation Center Closes: “Hurricane Henri is behind the Town of Westport.”

From the Town of Westport Emergency Operation Center

As many of you know, the major effects of Hurricane Henri were felt in the Eastern part of Connecticut and Rhode Island, and the impact on Westport has been relatively limited.  We had very few power outages today, all of which Eversource quickly resolved.  I am pleased to report that Hurricane Henri is behind the Town of Westport.  As of 4:30pm, we closed the Town’s Emergency Operations Center.  

While we will continue to see rain and winds, the overnight storm impacts to Westport are expected to be less serious than previously projected.  Unrelated to Hurricane Henri, thunderstorms are expected throughout Connecticut tomorrow.  

I want to thank our residents and businesses for heeding the instructions to remain at home and prepare for what could’ve been a major situation.  I hope that for many Westporters, today was a day well-spent with family, or at least a chance to test and improve your emergency preparedness.

Thank you also to the Westport Fire, Police, Public Health, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, and Human Services Departments for their efforts to monitor and prepare to respond to the needs of our community.  

Mask Mandate Begins Monday for Westport, Easton, Fairfield; First Selectman: “it is undoubtedly necessary”

First Selectman Jim Marpe

First Selectman Jim Marpe issued the following update today:

As a regional response to the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, effective at 12:01 AM on Monday, August 23, the Towns of Westport, Fairfield, and Easton have issued temporary town-wide mask mandates. Neighboring cities of Norwalk, Stamford, and Bridgeport currently have mask mandates in place.

Yesterday, Fairfield County was the fifth county in Connecticut to be moved into the “high transmission” category – the most severe level as defined by the CDC. Hospitalizations in Fairfield County are on the rise. The rise in case levels in Westport for the past two weeks will likely place the town into the “substantial transmission” or “red” category this week.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) strongly recommends that all residents over the age of two years, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, wear masks when in indoor public spaces. The Governor’s Executive Order No. 13A provides municipal leaders with the option of requiring masks in indoor public places within their respective towns and cities for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. Indoor public spaces include retail establishments, restaurants, gyms, workout studios or other businesses, as well as galleries, museums, performance spaces, places of worship and government buildings. Businesses may still require proof of vaccination to enter, but a mask will also be required.

Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) Director of Health Mark Cooper stated, “The COVID- 19 vaccine is the most powerful tool against infection and severe illness, but the increasing number of breakthrough infections after vaccination are a reminder that no vaccine is 100% effective. As long as there continues to be cases of COVID in Westport, it is important to continue the use of the other tools at our disposal to reduce transmission such as masking when indoors and in large outdoor crowds, hand washing, social distancing, and limiting gathering sizes. This is particularly important as we approach the start of the new school year and to those young people who are unable to be vaccinated as they return to the classroom.”

Private social gatherings appear to be a growing source of transmission. Please reconsider social gatherings and be mindful of transmission that happens within the home. Keep gatherings to outdoors if possible and get tested, even if you only feel cold-like symptoms. Follow CDC guidelines for masking against the Delta and other variants. This advice is for everyone whether vaccinated or not. 

I am grateful that Westporters recognize the importance of wearing masks and getting vaccinated.  It is for our physical and mental health and safety that we remain vigilant, and at the same time, be respectful to others who may have differing opinions. We have come a long way in combatting this virus.  While this development may seem like a step backward, it is undoubtedly necessary until the time comes when all have the capacity to be vaccinated and COVID-19 is a more manageable, non-life-threatening virus.  We are stronger together.

Vaccine Booster

Yesterday, the President announced that it will be critical to administer “booster” vaccinations to continue to fight the pandemic.  Please note that the general public will not be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster until after September 20th, and at that time, anyone receiving the booster will need to be at least eight months from their second vaccination. When available, additional information and instructions about the booster will be posted on the WWHD website, www.WWHD.org.  For questions about COVID-19, including vaccine planning, call the WWHD at 203-227-9571.

Lieutenant Governor Promotes Vision Zero in Westport, Pushing to End Pedestrian Fatalities

(L-R) First Selectman Jim Marpe, (behind) State Senator Will Haskell, State Representative Stephanie Thomas, Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Westport Deputy Police Chief Sam Arciola, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce President Matt Mandell, and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg. WWCC Contributed photo

Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewitz was downtown today to promote the State’s new Vision Zero movement . “Zero” refers to the hopeful number of pedestrians who are killed by motor vehicles in the State under the new legislation, especially while crossing streets such as Post Road - known as one of the most deadly pedestrian corridors in the State. (click here to read more)

H.B. No. 5429 began in January after being introduced by the House Transportation Committee, and was signed by Governor Ned Lamont in June. The bill outlined items such as an increase in fines for distracted driving or driving in a way that impedes pedestrians or bicyclists, or supporting the use of automated traffic enforcement devices within school zones or work zones.

The State also announced the release of a virtual meeting of the Vision Zero Council, with Garrett Eucalitto, CTDOT Deputy Commissioner and Vision Zero Council Chair saying: “By bringing diverse perspectives together on the Vision Zero Council and engaging with and listening to the concerns of the public and safety stakeholders, we can better shape our approach to making Connecticut’s transportation system safer for all users.” Members of the public can register for the online meeting here.

Westport First Selectman Urges Indoor Masking, Not Mandating

From the Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe

Due to increasing COVID cases in Fairfield County, Westport residents are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, whether located in retail establishments, restaurants, gyms, workout studios or other businesses, as well as galleries, museums, performance spaces or government buildings. The CDC has designated Fairfield County as having “substantial” community transmission, out of the low, moderate, substantial and high rates.  Currently 90 percent of all COVID cases in CT are of the Delta variant.

Last week, Governor Lamont issued an Executive Order that provides municipal leaders with the option of requiring masks in indoor public spaces within their respective towns and cities for all individuals regardless of vaccination status. Westport is not mandating masks at this time. However, given the rapid spread of the Delta variant, we are requesting that residents return to a higher level of vigilance. This pandemic does not know borders or buildings. The Delta variant is much more contagious than COVID-19 and extra precautions are warranted. Wearing a mask and exercising caution whether it is in Westport, another community, or in a place of business should be consistent. 

Town officials have listened to other communities and understand that varying approaches are being explored relative to increased mask usage, particularly based on community size, density, and transmission rates. We also understand that some businesses in Westport, including most gyms and some restaurants, have returned to requiring masks for all visitors, customers, and staff. Most retailers are requiring staff to wear a mask. We request that everyone respect and comply with the conditions set by these individual establishments.   

While those who are being hospitalized due to COVID are overwhelmingly unvaccinated, there is still cause for concern among the vaccinated. The Delta variant of COVID is very new and more is discovered each day about vaccine efficacy. It is beneficial for everyone’s health and safety to wear a mask because it protects yourself and others and slows the spread. Some within our community are unable to be vaccinated, including children under 12, so it is incumbent upon us all to help protect others. From the beginning of this challenging time, I have stated, “we are in this together.” Now more than ever, that message is important. In my opinion, the personal choice to wear a mask reflects compassion for all of our neighbors, families and friends.  

We continue to urge all who are eligible to get vaccinated. Studies show that any side effects are temporary or very rare. With a high vaccination rate, mutual cooperation, patience and understanding for adhering to the safety protocols, Westport can keep the spread of COVID to a minimum. 

Municipal Buildings:

Town Officials have implemented the following safety protocols at Town Hall, the Westport Library and other town facilities: 

Regardless of vaccination status,

• Visitors and patrons of all town buildings including the library are required to wear a mask.

• Walk-ins will continue to be allowed in Town Hall. Visitors must follow contact tracing, mask requirements, temperature checks and other safety protocols upon entering.  As an alternative, it is recommended that the public consider the town’s online services or other options for in-person meetings.  

• Town Hall staff are required to check their temperature upon entering work for the day and wear a mask in the common public areas.

• Town and Library employees will return to weekly testing for COVID for their safety and for the safety of any visitors.  

• First Responders will wear masks when interacting with the public indoors.