James Bairaktaris 12/23/21 James Bairaktaris 12/23/21

Town Announces Masking for Town Buildings, New Drive-thru Testing Center, Senior Center Changes in COVID-19 Update

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker

Westport’s COVID-19 Emergency Management Team is tracking and assessing transmission rates in Westport, the State of Connecticut and the nation, specifically as they relate to the Covid-19 Delta and Omicron variants.

After consideration and consultation with health officials and municipal leaders, effective Monday, December 27, all vaccinated or non-vaccinated individuals will be required to wear a mask indoors in town-owned buildings. These include the Town Hall, Center for Senior Activities and the Westport Library.

Schedule change for the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA) – Week of December 27

WCSA Director Sue Pfister has announced that there will no indoor programming or congregate lunches the week of December 27. Classes will be held via Zoom and the congregate lunch program will take place as a drive through at noon on December 27, 28 and 29. WCSA is closed December 30 and 31. The Staff of the WCSA looks forward to seeing everyone when in-house programs resume on Monday, January 3.

Testing Center operations anticipated on or about January 1

In cooperation and in agreement with town officials, Progressive Diagnostics anticipates opening a COVID-19 testing center at Greens Farms Railroad Station on or about January 1. Once arrangements are finalized, details will be provided in subsequent releases and notifications to town residents.

Health officials state that prevention is critical and all who are able and eligible are urged to get fully vaccinated and get a booster as soon as possible. Getting fully vaccinated – including receiving a booster shot, wearing a mask indoors in any public setting and maintaining social distancing remain the most reliable ways of limiting exposure and transmission. Further, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, COVID-19 testing is encouraged to determine if you have the virus and, thus, can take necessary precautions to avoid the spread to loved ones, family, friends and those who are vulnerable.

Fortunately, although the Omicron variant is highly contagious and transmissible, those who are vaccinated and boosted are experiencing less severe symptoms if they test positive for the virus.

According to Westport Weston Health Director Mark Cooper, the number of cases has increased rapidly across the Northeast. He noted, “Of the new cases reported in Westport, 37% are in fully vaccinated individuals, the fully vaccinated who have received the booster inoculation make up about 2.6% of the new cases. The booster adds protection. Checking the WWHD website regularly is advisable as it is constantly updating available booster clinics.”

Additional information on the virus, testing and boosters is available on the WWHD website www.WWHD.org or https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus

Please remain cautious and safe, especially during this upcoming holiday season. If you are not already fully vaccinated, please get a booster. Continue to be proactive, wear a mask indoors in congregant settings, and get tested.

With everyone’s cooperation, we can look forward to having a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year in Westport.

James Bairaktaris 12/23/21 James Bairaktaris 12/23/21

Morning Weather Report

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph.

Tonight

Light snow likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 30. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tomorrow

A 40 percent chance of light snow before 10am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 44. North wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.

Tomorrow Night

A slight chance of rain and sleet before 10pm, then rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no sleet accumulation expected.