Press Release

First Selectman Jim Marpe today issued the following update on COVID-19:

This week, we saw great progress in the fight against COVID-19 and seeing some return to normalcy.  Governor Lamont announced some easing of COVID-19 restrictions over the next couple of months.  Individuals age 55 and over, along with educators and childcare professionals, became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) hosted the first COVID-19 vaccination clinic dedicated to school personnel at Staples High School.  Health officials continue to emphasize mask wearing, social distancing and good hygiene, even as restrictions are loosened and the vaccine is further distributed.

Governor Lamont’s plans for the 2021 spring season include the following:

• Executive order 10B immediately opens the fishing season by removing the closed seasons on all inland waters in Connecticut and opens additional lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams to fishing statewide.

• Effective March 19, the occupancy limits for many places of business, restaurants, cultural institutions, libraries, offices, and houses of worship will be removed, although COVID protocols must continue to be observed. The indoor occupancy limits will be increased to 25 indoors and 100 outdoors. For commercial venues, those caps are 100 and 200 respectively. Subject to Department of Public Health guidance, all sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed.

• Effective April 2, summer camps and festivals are advised they may begin planning to open for the upcoming season. Additional information can be found here.

In Westport, I am pleased to announce that plans are underway for a summer that will look more like what we normally experienced in past years. 

• The Levitt Pavilion is planning its season, to be held in compliance with any necessary COVID considerations related to outdoor venues.

• The Board of Selectmen approved the use of the Imperial Avenue Lot for the Remarkable Theater’s Drive-In Movie Theater and for The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library’s Supper and Soul events.

• The Parks and Recreation Department is currently preparing to open its facilities and is planning to offer programs that were not available last year due to COVID-19. It will strive to create safe environments for all facility users and program participants by following best practices and state guidelines. Residents should remain engaged with the department for more information on the programs and facilities.

While the easing of these restrictions, as well as the relief from the vaccine, is encouraging, we cannot and should not put our guards down when it comes to the pandemic.  All protocols that relate to face coverings, social distancing, and cleaning measures must be maintained. Although current vaccines do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19, there is a possibility that the virus may be contracted from another source. People may remain asymptomatic and contagious even after vaccination.  I strongly urge all residents and businesses to follow the State’s reopening guidelines.

To insure that your mask fit is most effective, visit the CDC’s link on improving mask fit here:  The CDC’s latest guidance on mask wearing can be found here.

Update from the Westport Human Service’s Department:

The Department of Human Services and the WWHD seek the community’s help in identifying residents who are experiencing technical difficulties scheduling their COVID-19 vaccination appointments or who require a home vaccination appointment.  Seniors ages 65+ and individuals ages 55+ years old with disabilities who require local appointments or a home visit to receive their vaccine are invited to contact the Human Services Vaccine line at 203-341-5037 or email humansrv@westportct.gov for assistance. 

If you or a loved one are genuinely homebound, please contact the Human Services Department for an assessment of eligibility to receive a home visit for vaccination.  Homebound persons include those who require medical equipment to leave their home safely and whose medical provider has advised them not to leave their home due to medical vulnerability. Eligible residents must answer several questions to qualify for homebound vaccination consideration or to receive assistance in accessing available site-based clinics.

The COVID-19 vaccination of homebound persons presents unique administration challenges to insure safe and effective vaccination. These include vaccine storage temperatures, handling, and after-vaccination observation.  The recently approved one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine should allow for at-home vaccinations as soon as the vaccine supply and necessary procedural guidelines are in place.  

Registration for the Vaccine:

Vaccine eligible residents are encouraged to make vaccine appointments at any available vaccination clinic, and not wait for an appointment specifically with WWHD.  It is anticipated that as supplies to the Health District increase, additional clinic appointments will become available. 

Those who are currently eligible to register for the COVID-19 vaccination include the following individuals:

• Healthcare Personnel

• Long Term Care Facility Residents

• Medical First Responders

• Residents and Staff of Select Congregate Settings

• Individuals 55 and Older: Residents and employees within the State of CT who are 55+

• Educators and Child Care Providers: Pre-K – 12 Teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, food service providers, school bus drivers and childcare providers as well as in-school administrative staff. Does not include individuals who are not required to work on-site in a school.

 

To view a statewide list and map of COVID-19 vaccine clinics, go to www.211ct.org/vaccineclinics, enter your zip code or town in the location box on the right and press the yellow search icon.  The important point is that residents use the resources currently available to schedule vaccines and remain patient if delays occur.

 

Vaccination appointments can be made utilizing the following tools:

 

• VAMS online system: VAMS is the Vaccine Administration Management System and can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the state. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

 

• Call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment assist line is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. To make an appointment, call 877-918-2224.

• Hartford HealthCare: Hartford HealthCare has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the Hartford area. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

• Yale New Haven Health: Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

• Stamford Health: Stamford Health is operating a clinic seven days per week at Stamford Hospital. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

• Walgreens: Walgreens is currently offering the vaccine at CT locations. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

• CVS: CVS is currently offering the vaccine in a number of CT locations. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

• Walmart: Walmart is currently offering the vaccine in several CT locations. To make an appointment using this system, click here.

 

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.