The Westport Weston Health District today issued a detailed explanation of the counting process for COVID-19 cases and deaths in Westport.
The latest information from the state today showed Westport with 233 COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths unchanged in the past 24 hours.
The explanation was issued after local news media last week reported a jump in the death count as reported by the state Department of Public Health.
In a statement, Mark Cooper, director of the Westport Weston Health District, (WWHD) said: “There have been questions about the number of deaths in our communities and whether or not we are seeing ‘spikes’ in reported cases and deaths.
“While all data is preliminary, the number of cases and associated deaths have increased and the number of hospitalizations has gone down.”
He said “day to day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that were administered during previous days and up to a week prior.”
He added: “It is important to note that reported deaths can lag behind by up to 10 days due to issues with data collection, especially in the early days of the pandemic. Numbers are subject to change.
“Associated death numbers may go up or down, as medical providers and epidemiologists continue to refine case definitions and audit autopsy reports.”
Cooper said early efforts to”flatten the curve and protect our communities by social distancing are having a positive impact.”
He continued: “According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Westport and Weston’s case rates (829 and 615, respectively per 100,000) are lower than in a number of our neighboring communities. This is good news.
“We should continue to follow national and state directives. Stay safe and stay at home whenever possible. Avoid social gatherings. Maintain at least six feet of separation from others and wear a mask or cloth face covering when out in public.”
Cooper said the WWHD is actively seeking rapid result saliva test kits to check for COVID-19, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) authorized for emergency use in diagnosing COVID-19 earlier this month.
“These tests provide for an easier, less invasive method to check infection status. This saliva-based collection method may replace nasal swabs, the tests can be repeated multiple times, and they are safer for health care providers because of reduced risk of exposure,” he said.
“Turnaround time for results is much faster as well, sometimes as quickly as 24 hours.
“The Health District is working in partnership with the State Department of Public Health and area providers to obtain a number of rapid result diagnostic test kits and will work with town officials to communicate any plans for local rapid result saliva testing.”
He said like most states across the country, Connecticut has struggled to increase its testing capacity.
“This rapid result testing may be key to ramping up the testing that will prove critical as the community formulates a safe response plan to gradually reopen businesses and schools,” Cooper said.
He said while the Health District looks to transition to the new rapid result saliva test process, there are currently a number of sites where concerned citizens who fit the criteria for testing can be tested.
A complete list of the testing sites and contact information is available on the Health District’s website http://www.wwhd.org.
Meanwhile, Westport officials expressed concern that improper use of cloth face masks will reduce the effectiveness of the masks. According to the CDC, cloth face coverings should —
fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
be secured with ties or ear loops
include multiple layers of fabric
allow for breathing without restriction
