Governor Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocols
Governor Ned Lamont: Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits on Saturday night, he is directing the State of Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocol to be activated beginning at noon on Saturday, February 5, 2022, and remaining in effect through noon on Sunday, February 6, 2022.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“When temperatures drop this low, it can be incredibly dangerous to be outdoors for extended periods of time,” Governor Lamont said. “Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need can call 2-1-1 to get connected to a nearby location, and they can even provide transportation if necessary.”
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Application for Cell Tower at 55 Greens Farms Road Cancelled as Applicant Focuses on 92 Greens Farms Road
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker: First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has been informed that the owner of the commercial office property at 55 Greens Farms Road has withdrawn that site as an option for a cell tower proposed by Tarpon Towers/AT&T. 92 Greens Farms Road is now the sole focus of Tarpon Towers/AT&T’s proposed cell tower location.
The Public Information Session scheduled for Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 7:00 PM will concentrate on the originally proposed location at 92 Greens Farms Road.
First Selectwoman Tooker stated, “I urge neighbors of Greens Farms Road, and 92 Greens Farms Road in particular, to attend the ZOOM Public Information Session on February 8, when there will be a full discussion of this cell tower proposal by representatives of Tarpon Towers. I continue to have concerns about locating a public utility on residential lots such as 92 Greens Farms Road. Tuesday’s statutory public meeting will provide an opportunity for neighbors and the entire Westport community to communicate their opinions and gain insight on this important public issue.”
Notice + Agenda:
https://www.westportct.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/23897/
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Meeting ID: 859 3806 0095
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Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 4; State Hospitalizations Continue to Decline
The State Department of Public Health reported 4 new COVID-19 cases for Westport over the past 24 hours. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 6.58% while hospitalizations were down as 84 more patients were released from hospitals.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 3,683 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 34 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 6.58% [up from 6.57%]
State Hospitalizations: 785 patients [-84]
Superintendent Provides Update, Highlighting Masking, Snow Days, and Treatment of Unvaccinated Students
From Superintendent Thomas Scarice: Greetings,
As the week comes to a close I would like to provide the school community with some updates.
School Cancellation Due to Weather
I am very sorry about today. Again, a forecast drove the decision to cancel. As I signaled Thursday, I anticipated that an early dismissal would be necessary. The regional superintendents’ consultation with our meteorologist at 4:15am led to this decision. It was another miscalculation and the ice did not materialize in the predicted time frame. Again, my apologies.
Winter Break
Winter break is the week of February 21-25. Students return to school on Monday February 28.
Universal Masking
As the community is aware, an executive order from Governor Lamont has mandated universal masking in public school buildings. This order carries the power of law. The order expires on February 15. At this point it is unclear if the Governor will extend the order and continue to require universal masking in all schools. There are a number of scenarios that can transpire. The order can be extended. The order can be modified with conditions and extended, or the order can sunset and local districts will be required to determine whether or not to require universal masking.
This topic has been the source of a great deal of division in both the public health and medical community, as well as in the school community. As with all mitigating measures in response to the pandemic, the district will continue to receive guidance from our local health district, medical advisor and the CT Department of Public Health.
At the outset of the pandemic and the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the district took a very conservative approach to our learning models and mitigating measures. Since last January, we have learned a great deal and provided increased access to programs and services within the guidance we have been provided. Not only have we remained fully open, including extracurricular programs, we have consistently peeled back layers of mitigation when the opportunities have presented themselves. I anticipate that we will take the same approach with universal masking based on the guidance we receive.
We will continue to provide updates to the school community as we learn more about the decision to extend, modify, or sunset the current executive orders.
Student Vaccination Status
It was recently brought to my attention that students who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 have received or overheard disparaging remarks made by members of our school community about their vaccination status during school and school-sponsored activities. It was further reported that such remarks have had a negative impact on the emotional well-being of these students.
As we continue to investigate these concerns, I want to remind all members of our school community to act in a manner that it is respectful of others and to refrain from engaging in behavior that could be considered discrimination and/or harassment. Specifically, disparaging remarks directed toward, or made about, a student’s vaccination status during school or school-sponsored activities are inconsistent with the district’s commitment to an educational environment free of harassment and discrimination and will not be tolerated.
As always, please reach out to your child’s building principal or school counselor with any concerns about your child’s emotional well-being. The pandemic has affected all of us in a variety of ways, and it is critical that we remain supportive and respectful of each other and each other’s differences as we continue navigating through these unprecedented circumstances.
I hope that you and your family enjoy the weekend. It is forecasted to be frigid..but based on my experience, I would be skeptical of any forecasts!!
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools