By Jim Welch and Harriet Jones

Protesters in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, New London, and other parts of Connecticut joined a nationwide call for action today following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. The protests come as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold — one day after the Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order that further relaxes state restrictions related to the virus.

{Westport sent several officers to Bridgeport in response to a call for help from Bridgeport police. It was not immediately known where they were deployed.}

Demonstrators wearing masks gathered in Colt Park and Bushnell Park in Hartford and marched in the street to the State Capitol — causing temporary delays for buses and traffic. The crowd leaving from Bushell Park marched by the Hartford Public Safety Complex on its way to the Capitol. Demonstrators held signs to protest Floyd’s death, criticize police, brutality, and show unity.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said in a statement that the protest was both powerful and peaceful.

The state today said the Westport COVID-19 case count increased by two to 288 while the number of deaths was unchanged at 21.

UPDATE Summer-like weather with sunny skies and temperatures approaching 80 drew crowds to Westport’s Compo Beach today. Parks & Rec employees shut down entry as the 50% threshold for parking was reached. State officials closed Sherwood Island State Park when parking lot capacity was reached there. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ben Joseloff for WestportNow.com

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe and Police Chief Foti Koskinas issued the following joint statement today about the events in Minneapolis.

We certainly can be counted among the many municipal and law enforcement leaders who were horrified and deeply disappointed by the recent tragedy in Minneapolis.

The Westport Police Department, like so many others across our country, has worked diligently to build relationships and trust within our communities; a trust which we and our national partners in law enforcement recognize must be incrementally earned and always carefully maintained. Fostering this trust among our community through a steadfast dedication to public service continues to be our top priority.

During difficult times such as these, it is important to reaffirm that the Westport Police Department remains resolutely committed to pursuing the goals of its mission statement through the fair and equitable treatment of all of those we encounter.

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe today issued an appeal for residents to wear masks and not congregate at Compo Beach.

Compo Beach was virtually empty late today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Weingarten for WestportNow.com

Touching on reopening of restaurants, retail stores, and beaches, in a statement he implored “everyone to respect the work that everyone has accomplished so far that benefits all of Westport.”

Compo Beach drew special attention. “While it is important that everyone wear a mask and socially distance everywhere in town, it is especially relevant for those who are utilizing the sidewalks and areas surrounding Compo Beach,” he said.

“The limited width of the sidewalks, combined with the increased number of people utilizing the sidewalks, boardwalk and side streets in that area necessitates increased precautionary measures.

The state today said the Westport COVID-19 case count increased by one to 286 while the number of deaths was unchanged at 21.