Hartford Healthcare COVID-19 Test Site Closes after Months of Service to Thousands of Westporters
Effective tomorrow, one of Westport’s first and busiest COVID-19 testing sites will be officially closed, although yesterday marked the last day of appointments at Hartford Healthcare’s 47 Long Lots Road testing center. The drive-through system began in the Spring as numbers soared and a need for a permanent system was noticed in the community. The small driveway and view of the expansive front lawn became a place where thousand of Westporters spent some of the most nerve-wracking times during the Pandemic as they awaited the unknown: “do I have COVID, or not?”.
The staff at the site remained outdoors from 8-12 every day, some days experiencing hundreds of cars that waited nearly 3 hours for their turn. When rain or snow came, the Hartford Healthcare personnel continued their work standing in the elements - causing the healthcare company to install more permanent and protective options.
The closing of the center ends a chapter in Westport’s pandemic story - the memories of waiting in line for one’s test surely to be remembered as a poignant moment. With hope, the closing of this chapter signified a positive and healthy future for Westport as numbers continue to decrease, while vaccination rates increase.
Editor’s Note
Since the Spring I received nearly twenty proactive COVID-19 tests from the team at the Long Lots Road testing site in rain, sleet, extreme heat, and snow. They, and the members of the National Guard, were helpful, reassuring, and knowledgeable. I appreciate their service to our community - it was an invaluable part of our collective success. If you are one of those team members: Thank you.