Westport COVID-19 Cases Up23; State Positivity Rate, Hospitalizations Up
The State Department of Public Health reported 23 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past day. The State positivity rate was up to 10.47% while hospitalizations were up to 301 patients.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,478 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 37 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 10.47%
State COVID-19 Hospitalizations: 301 patients [+8 patients]
Riverwalk Scene
While strolling the Riverwalk which surrounds the Levitt Pavilion, this young lady spotted something photo-worthy on the adjoining Saugatuck River.
Photo By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 92. West wind 8 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 72. West wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 101. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 6 to 9 mph.
High Tides
4:22 AM / 4:53 PM
Low Tides
10:42 AM / 11:19 PM
Compo Calm
Compo’s shoreline was empty this afternoon as rains cleared the waterfront of visitors and humidity moved into the community. WestportLocal.com photo
Hunt Club Sunset Reflections
After a day of drenching rains, the fields of the Fairfield County Hunt Club drank all they could as the sun began to set over the equine property. WestportLocal.com photo
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 21 over Weekend; State Positivity Rate 10.17%
The State Department of Public Health reported 21 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the weekend. The State positivity rate was 10.17% while hospitalizations remain at 293 patients.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,455 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 37 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 10.17%
State COVID-19 Hospitalizations: 293 patients
Clapboard Hill Colors
The bright colors of hydrangeas continue to bring brightness to the community despite rain today. WestportLocal.com photo
Westport Wrecking Ball: 12 Godfrey Lane, Built in 1955, Approved for Demolition
An application for a demolition permit for Westport’s 12 Godfrey Lane, off of Bulkley Avenue North, was given the head nod by the Westport Historic District Commission last week, clearing the way for the wrecking ball. Built in 1955, the cape has 3,048 square feet of living space and is situated on a 1.15 ace property at the end of the quiet cul-de-sac. It was sold on June 24th for $1,150,000 to a local home development company. Because the house was built more than 50 years ago, the application was reviewed by the Westport Historic District Commission - who voted unanimously to waive the 180-day delay and allow issuance of the demolition permit. For upcoming Historic District Commission meetings and their agendas, click here.
Governor Activates Extreme Hot Weather Protocol as Temperatures Soar
Governor Ned Lamont’s Office: Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that temperatures over the next several days will reach more than 95 degrees with the heat index expected to go over triple digits at times, he is directing Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol to be activated beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, and remaining in effect through 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2022.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief from the hot conditions.
Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1 or look online at 211ct.org to find their nearest location.
“We’re about to experience our first heat wave of the year that over the next several days will bring very hot conditions, especially during the peak sunlight hours of the day,” Governor Lamont said. “I strongly urge anyone who needs a place to cool off to call 2-1-1 to find their nearest available cooling center. Everyone should take the necessary precautions as the heat rises over the next several days. A few steps can greatly reduce heat-related issues, especially for the elderly, the very young, and people with respiratory ailments who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures.”
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 uses 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.
Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC in order to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths.
Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods extreme heat. Because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:
Drink more water than usual.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
Remind others to drink enough water.