Getting their Last Skate in before Tomorrow’s Final Day of PAL Rink Season
Dozens of skaters took to the ice this evening as blue skies and seasonal weather made for a perfect Sunday to use the PAL Rink. The rink will open tomorrow at 11 and close at 6:45, when the last skaters will leave the ice while marking the end to the Rink’s 2021-22 season. WestportLocal.com photo
Sirens: I-95 Southbound Shut Down after Serious Car Accident; Blocked between Exits 19 and 18
CT DOT Traffic Camera
Just before noon today, the State Department of Transportation registered a motor vehicle accident on I-95 in the southbound lanes, just past Exit 19. First responders were dispatched to the accident with reports of injuries and a car fire all bringing the traffic to a halt this afternoon. No information has been released. The interstate is shut down heading southbound due to the incident. Expect traffic delays to spill over onto local streets.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 32. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 26. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Southwest wind 7 to 13 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 48. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Light and variable wind.
State Departments of Public Health and Education Give Guidance for Unmasking in School Settings
The Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Connecticut State Department of Education today released two COVID-19 guidance documents for use in PreK-12 school settings.
The first guidance document assists schools with transitioning to a model for COVID-19 management that aligns with the state’s public health approach to the routine management of respiratory viral diseases.
The second document includes questions to consider when contemplating potential changes to COVID-19 policies including universal masking in schools or transitioning to “mask optional” policies. The determination on whether to require masks in schools can be made at the local level effective Feb. 28, 2022.
Before Feb. 28, school districts can expect to receive additional shipments of self-tests to distribute two kits per student and staff member. Each kit contains two tests. In schools discontinuing universal indoor masking beginning Feb. 28, kits should be used by all staff and students to self-test just prior to the lifting of universal indoor masking. Ideally, one test should be performed at home in the morning prior to leaving for school on the first day optional masking is implemented.
Given the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines, at-home testing and medications, our communities can begin to transition to these updated models of COVID-19 management. This guidance was shared late Friday afternoon with all districts and schools throughout the state’s extensive network of superintendents, school medical advisors, school nurses, local school board members, local health directors, and others who make up the school ecosystem.
The guidance documents are posted on the DPH website: