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.

Heavy Rains Sink Boat off of Old Mill Beach

An unoccupied commercial shellfishing boat anchored off of Old Mill Beach sank overnight as heavy rains drenched the community. The boat’s hull was completely submerged, with only a roof over the console and a piece of lifting equipment visible above the waterline. Westport’s Marine Unit was notified of the event, with the Westport Fire Department also seen at the beach earlier this morning investigating. The vessel has been anchored in the area for several days, and is visible at low tides resting on the sandbars between Schlaet’s Point and Old Mill. The sight was a reminder for local mariners to check on their own boats in local marinas, as batteries may die during heavy rainfall when bilge pumps continuously run - causing the boats to take on water. WestportLocal.com photo

Southbound Traffic on Merritt Parkway Heavy through State Line; I-95 Clear South of Exit 17

The Connecticut DoT released that the Merritt Parkway is heavily congested from Fairfield’s Exit 44 all the way through Greenwich’s Exit 31, a 17 mile back-up. An earlier truck accident in Greenwich on I-95 southbound lead to some of the hopeful diversions away from the slowdown. An accident was reported just at 8:30 this morning on I-95 in Westport, slowing down cars just past Exit 18.

New Neighbors: Sir Knottingham the Opossum joins Earthplace

Earthplace announced yesterday the arrival of a new member to their Animal Hall: Sir Knottingham, a Virginia Opossum. Sir Knottingham was taken in by the local non-profit nature center due to a tail injury, which prevents him from being able to balance while climbing trees - critical to his independence in the wild. The wide-eyed new neighbor will join over 30 other animals, from frogs to American Eagles, and will continue the center’s tradition in education the public and its preschool students through discovery and nature. Community members are welcomed to visit Sit Knottingham and his neighbors during the center’s museum hours, which reopened after a long hiatus to to COVID-19 precautions.