Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 97 over Long Weekend; State Hospitalizations Up 301 Patients with a Positivity Rate of 21.52%
The Westport-Weston Health District and the State Department of Public Health reported 97 new COVID-19 cases for Westport over the three-day holiday weekend. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 21.52% while hospitalizations were up 301 patients, totaling 1,452 patients across the State - 68.80% of whom are not fully vaccinated.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 2,812 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 32 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 21.52% [up from 20.33%]
State Hospitalizations: 1,452 patients [+301]
Senator Will Haskell Announces He Won’t Run for Reelection; Heading to Law School and Enjoying Family
Left: Senator Haskell at a Democratic fundraiser. Right: Addressing one of his many town hall meetings. J.C. Martin photos for WestportLocal.com
Senator Will Haskell’s Office:
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) announced that after serving two terms in the Connecticut State Senate, he will not run for re-election in 2022. Sen. Haskell plans to attend law school and spend more time with loved ones at the end of his current term.
"I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the people of the 26th District over the last few years. My constituents took a chance on me when I was just 22, having freshly graduated from college," said Sen. Haskell. "And since then, I've worked tirelessly in Hartford and at home to live up to their trust. Together, we’ve made it possible for students to graduate from community colleges and find good jobs in Connecticut with no debt. Parents and families will be able to spend time with their newborns, or loved ones who are ill, without worrying about their next paycheck. We've raised the minimum wage, legalized cannabis, enacted the strongest gun laws in the country and remained focused on the future. Through the pandemic, we've worked to keep Connecticut residents protected; first by delivering groceries and prescriptions, then by getting folks vaccinated. During my time as a legislator I've learned so much about our state, about democracy and myself. I ran for office because I thought my community needed a change. I still think government works best when new voices have a chance to shape public policy, and I think the 26th district is ready for a new voice."
Since his election to the State Senate in November 2018, Senator Haskell has served as Senate Chair of the Higher Education & Employment Advancement and Transportation Committees, in addition to serving on numerous other committees. Among his proudest accomplishments are creating the PACT program, Connecticut’s free community college program; passing the most inclusive paid family and medical leave program in the country; and a sustained focus on transportation infrastructure investments.
Last Look: Long Lots Lights
Beautifully lit gazebo on Long Lots Rd.
With the end of the Holidays, the beautiful Christmas lights displays all over town will be soon be no more. Here is another look at the twinkling lights we saw as we drove on Long Lots Rd.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
COVID Test Distribution Today at 3:00 PM at Greens Farms Station
First Selectwoman Jennifer TookerFirst Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has announced that the previously delayed at-home Covid test kits have been delivered and are available for distribution to Westport residents at the Greens Farm Railroad Station Parking Lot #1, starting at 3:00 pm today, January 3, 2022. Note the change of location.
Although Westport’s allocation was less than originally anticipated, town officials will provide two (2) test kits per vehicle/per home on a first come first serve basis. Please be prepared to provide proof of Westport residency. To insure safe and efficient distribution, drivers are requested to follow signage and directions of the officials stationed at the parking lot. See map below. Residents’ patience and cooperation are appreciated.
First Selectwoman Tooker stated, “I am grateful for the dedication and professionalism displayed by our Emergency Management Team in preparing for and organizing this distribution procedure as quickly as possible after receipt of the shipment this morning.”