UPDATE  Westport’s 273 COVID-19 cases increased by six to 279 while the 21 death count was unchanged in the last 24 hours, state officials said today.

There were 55 new fatalities statewide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, bringing the total to 3,637, Gov. Ned Lamont said. The Fairfield County number was 1,195, up 15.

Statewide hospitalizations dropped again to 740, down 76 while In Fairfield County, there was a drop of 15 to 226. Statewide cases were 39,640 up 432 while Fairfield County cases were at 14,489 up 138.

Statewide tests administered were 202,328 up 5,881 in the last 24 hours, Lamont said.

WestportNow has won 14 citations, including three first place awards, in the Society of Professional Journalists Connecticut chapter annual Excellence in Journalism competition.

This photo of a deer eating flowers outside of Westport Police Headquarters won first place in the feature photo category for Helen Klisser During.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

In place of its annual dinner, the 2019 awards were announced during a CTSPJ virtual ceremony. See the complete list HERE.

WestportNow competed against both online and print organizations in the “hyperlocal” category, which included news organizations covering one or several communities or having a limited coverage area.

The three first place awards were all in photo categories, including news photo (Gordon Joseloff) feature photo (Helen Klisser During), and sports photo (Chris Greer.)

Tarry Lodge, 30 Charles St., has taken over some of its parking spaces outside to offer outside dining. They await town permission. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Tarantino Restaurant, 30 Railroad Place, is among Saugatuck restaurants that have initiated the process to offer outdoor dining, occupying several parking spaces with town permission. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe (2nd l) visited the Westport Goodwill store, 1700 Post Road East, today, as the nonprofit retailer reopened following state protocols. Store Manager Talisa Henry showed off some of the store’s discounted merchandise while Retail Vice President Ken Bennett (2nd r) and Interim President Jeff Wieser looked on. Among its many human services activities, Goodwill provides care for disabled residents and counsels thousands of individuals in finding employment every year. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Westport today outlined how it will enforce rules regarding the reopening of restaurants, retail stores, and other outlets during the pandemic.

In a statement, First Selectman Jim Marpe said it will be a three-pronged effort involving the Westport Weston Health District, the Police Department, and Fire Marshal Nathaniel Gibbons.

“The three entities have agreed to coordinate on education, complaints monitoring, and enforcement efforts,” he said.

The efforts will be based on the state’s protocol for enforcing reopen CT sector guidelines as issued by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.