Superintendent: 5 New COVID-19 Cases; 4 at Staples
Press ReleaseDear Westport Families and Staff,
In our efforts to remain transparent with reports of positive Covid-19 cases associated with our schools, we will continue to provide these updates as information is confirmed. As of the time I am writing to you this afternoon we have 6 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19. The reports came from the following schools:
Greens Farms Elementary School - 1
Staples High School - 4
Those impacted have been notified by school and District officials. As a reminder, families are asked to report positive of COVID-19 cases of students using our reporting voicemail or email regardless of whether the students are in remote or hybrid models of instruction. Please follow this link for more information on reporting.
Additionally, we want to remind families that students with pending Covid-19 tests should not return to school until receiving negative results. This approach is critical in helping us continue minimizing the potential for transmission in our schools.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Governor Announces Vaccine Registration for Everyone Aged 16+ by April 5th
Breaking Press Release, Governor Ned LamontGovernor Ned Lamont today announced that he is accelerating Connecticut’s age-based rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to proceed on a quicker schedule than was originally anticipated when it was announced last month. The revised schedule, which tentatively plans for the vaccine to expand to all adults over the age of 16 by April 5, comes as the state was informed by the Biden administration that it should anticipate receiving a significant increase in supplies of all three federally authorized vaccines over the next several weeks.
Connecticut continues to rank among the top five states in the nation in the percentage of population that has been vaccinated.
“We have some of the best and most dedicated providers in Connecticut who have been working around-the-clock to create the infrastructure that will provide vaccines to as many residents as we can as quickly as possible,” Governor Lamont said. “Based on our discussions with the federal government regarding vaccine allocation, we anticipate receiving more than 200,000 first doses per week by early April. This allotment, combined with our state’s strong execution over the past several weeks, allows Connecticut to significantly accelerate the schedule so that we can equitably and efficiently vaccinate as many residents as possible. It’s still going to take some time to get the vaccine to everyone who wants it and I urge patience to the greatest extent possible, but over these next several weeks I anticipate that we will have an opportunity to considerably increase the amount administered each day.”
“Thanks to the tremendous work of our vaccine providers, the efforts of the federal government to increase the supply of vaccines to the states, and the decision of the governor to stick with an age-based system, Connecticut has made tremendous progress in vaccinating our residents quickly, efficiently, and equitably,” Connecticut Acting Public Health Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. “As we continue to focus on equity in our vaccination program, this more rapid expansion to younger age groups will give vaccinators, and local health and community organizations even more flexibility to reach out and connect with our high-risk communities to improve access. As we approach opening our vaccine program to all individuals over the age of 16, it remains important that everyone continue to wear masks, social distance, avoid large gatherings, practice good hand hygiene, and isolate and get tested if sick.”
Individuals who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine in Connecticut include:
All individuals age 55 and older;
Healthcare personnel;
Medical first responders;
Residents and staff of long-term care facilities;
Residents and staff of select congregate settings; and
PreK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers.
Going forward, Connecticut’s rollout of the vaccine will proceed on the following schedule:
March 19: Scheduling opens to all individuals age 45 to 54
April 5 (tentative): Scheduling opens to all individuals age 16 to 44
The state will work with providers and the Department of Developmental Services to accelerate access for the most medically high-risk individuals under 45 during the month of April.
All eligible individuals in Connecticut who would like to receive the vaccine must make an appointment in advance. Information on making an appointment and finding the closest available clinic can be found online at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Those without access to the internet can call Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224. The assist line is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
US Coast Guard: Wearing “Kill Cord” Mandatory by Law for all Boats Under 26 Feet Starting April 1
The United States Coast Guard announced last week that all vessels less than 26’ must have the operator wearing the vessel’s “kill switch” lanyard, or engine cut off switch link (ECOSL), when the boat is in motion beginning on April 1. The cord does not need to be worn when traveling at low speeds, such as in no-wake zones or anytime the boat is not operating on plane.
All boats manufactured after December 2019 will require an ECOS switch to be installed with either a lanyard link, or a wireless link. The new requirement came after a law was passed by Congress.
New Law:
Section 503 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 required manufacturers of covered recreational boats (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust) to equip the vessel with an ECOS installed as of December 2019. Owners of recreational vessels produced after December 2019 are required to maintain the ECOS on their vessel in a serviceable condition. It is recommended that recreational vessel owners regularly check their existing ECOS system to ensure it works, following manufacturer’s instructions.
Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 requires individuals operating covered recreational vessels (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust; 3 HP or more) to use ECOS “links.” Using the ECOSL is required only when the primary helm is not within an enclosed cabin, and when the boat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Common situations where ECOSL use would not be required include docking/trailering, trolling and operating in no-wake zones.
Press Release, Coast Guard News
WASHINGTON – Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress.
The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. The ECOSL is usually a lanyard-style cord that attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller. When enough tension is applied, the ECOSL disengages from the ECOS and the motor is automatically shut down. Wireless ECOS have recently been developed and are also approved for use. These devices use an electronic “fob” that is carried by the operator and senses when it is submerged in water, activating the ECOS and turning the engine off. Wireless devices are available on the aftermarket and are beginning to become available as manufacturer-installed options.
Each year the Coast Guard receives reports of recreational vessel operators who fall or are suddenly and unexpectedly thrown out of their boat. These events have led to injuries and deaths. During these incidents the boat continues to operate with no one in control of the vessel, leaving the operator stranded in the water as the boat continues on course, or the boat begins to circle the person in the water eventually striking them, often with the propeller. These dangerous runaway vessel situations put the ejected operator, other users of the waterway, and marine law enforcement officers and other first responders in serious danger.
Westport Public Schools: 7 New COVID-19 Cases; Nearly 300 Quarantined; Counts Nearly Tripled in 1 Week
From the Westport Public Schools COVID-19 Dashboard.
Cases: 33 new cases since March 1 [28 cases currently].
Quarantined: 342 students and/or staff quarantined since March 1 [296 current quarantined].
COVID-19 cases and quarantine numbers are up since last Monday, according to the District’s dashboard data from last week compared to this week.
Last Monday’s COVID-19 Dashboard DataLast Monday there were 10 reported cases among staff and students, with 90 quarantining.
Today the District reports 28 cases, up 180%, with 296 in quarantine, up over 200%.
Press ReleaseDear Westport Families and Staff,
In our efforts to remain transparent with reports of positive Covid-19 cases associated with our schools, we will continue to provide these updates as information is confirmed. As of the time I am writing to you this morning we have 7 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 from the weekend. The reports came from the following schools:
Today's Data, captured Monday, March 15th at 10:00 AM. Greens Farms Elementary School - 1
Kings Highway Elementary School - 1
Long Lots Elementary School - 2
Bedford Middle School - 1
Coleytown Middle School -1
Staples High School - 1
Those impacted have been notified by school and District officials. As a reminder, families are asked to report positive of COVID-19 cases of students using our reporting voicemail or email regardless of whether the students are in remote or hybrid models of instruction. Please follow this link for more information on reporting.
Additionally, we want to remind families that students with pending Covid-19 tests should not return to school until receiving negative results. This approach is critical in helping us continue minimizing the potential for transmission in our schools.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools