The state said today its Westport COVID-19 case count was up two at 390 (373 confirmed and 17 probable) and deaths unchanged at 23.

Westport today lifted a no swimming advisory because of a generally reduced risk for contracting Vibrio illness.

The announcement was made by Mark A.R. Cooper, Director of Health for the Westport Weston Health District and Jennifer A. Fava, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Westport.

They said the water temp in Long Island Sound is less than 68F, which is now being reported and that the State of Connecticut has not seen any additional reported Vibrio vulnificus illnesses since the summer.

Mark A.R. Cooper, Director of Health for the Westport Weston Health District announced today the District has a limited supply of influenza (flu) vaccine and has scheduled additional flu clinics.

They will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday Nov.16, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, walk-in appointments cannot be accepted.  All appointments must be scheduled in advance using the self-scheduling appointment program that can be found on the WWHD website.

To schedule an appointment please go to http://www.WWHD.org  and follow the appoint link : https://westportwestonhealthdistrict.setmore.com/resourcebookingpage/rfb241568034464603/bookappointment.

A dose of regular vaccine costs $50 the High Dose (recommended for ages 65+) costs $90.

The WWHD accepts the following insurance:

Medicare, ConnectiCare, Cigna, Aetna, and HUSKY.

We also will accept pre-payments via credit card, check, or cash.

The Westport Transit District has announced the launch Monday of “Wheels2U Westport,” a new on-demand door-to-train platform shuttle service.

According to Transit District Co-Director Marty Fox, the shared-ride service will operate between locations in the service area, which includes the vast majority of Westport and the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations. 

The new service will operate during peak commuting hours on Monday through Friday. The schedule offers morning pickups to or from train stations: between 5:45 and 9:45 a,m,  Evening pickups for rides to or from train stations are between 4 and 8 p.m., the announcement said.

According to transit officials, commuters may schedule rides shortly before their desired pick-up time using the Wheels2U app, which can be downloaded by searching “Wheels2U” at the Apple App store or Google Play store.  Riders will pay a $2 are with the app or may utilize a Metro-North Uniticket.

Wheels2U Westport uses Norwalk Transit’s blue Wheels2U vehicles and white shuttle buses, which replace the district’s seven commuter shuttles routes and the temporary on-demand commuter service implemented in March due to the COVID-19 virus.
For additional information, visit Wheels2Uwestport.com or call 203-852-0000 and choose option 3.

“We are very excited about the new Wheels2U Westport service, which leverages Norwalk Transit’s innovative and successful Norwalk Wheels2U service that was introduced in 2018,” said Fox. “This new service will also utilize the technology platform and expertise of Norwalk Transit’s consultant.

“Wheels2U Westport is very well-suited to the current environment,” added Patsy Cimarosa, Westport Transit co-director “We will be able to tailor the number of Wheels2U vehicles serving our riders as commuting ramps up in the coming months.”

The Westport Transit District provides public transportation in the Town of Westport with vehicles operated by the Norwalk Transit District.

First Selectman Jim Marpe today issued the following statement and update to Westport residents.

Halloween

Halloween is a special holiday for many of our children and families.  Due to COVID-19 however, Halloween in Westport will look different from prior years. I am urging residents to be considerate and judicious in how they plan to partake in seasonal activities. It is incumbent upon all of us to insure a safe Halloween and upcoming holiday season.

Please follow the guidelines put forth by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding Halloween this year.

https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Communications/Guidance/Connecticut-Halloween-Guidance

Because the annual Halloween Parade and trick-or-treating in Town Hall has typically drawn increased foot traffic and crowding, the town regrets that it will not host the event this year.

Instead, the Westport Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Halloween House Decorating Contest to promote family involvement and community spirit during the holiday.  I encourage everyone – young and old alike – to demonstrate their creativity and decorate their homes in the spirit of the season. For more information about the event, visit http://www.westportrecreation.com.

The Westport DMA, in collaboration with the town, is exploring a family-friendly Halloween event on October 25. More information on this proposal will be available in the coming week.

The CDC considers traditional trick-or-treating to be a high-risk activity and should be avoided. Rather, it recommends alternatives for celebrating the holiday with lower risk activities and small events that allow for reduced exposure and ease of contact tracing.

Consider candy hunts, small “trunk or treats” with friends and family, crafts, virtual contests and other outdoor activities where social distance can be achieved. The CDC advises against wearing decorative masks over surgical masks. This year consider a costume that does not require a decorative mask so that a surgical or CDC-approved mask can be worn instead.

The State of Connecticut is entering Phase III of its reopening plan today. Be advised, however, that Phase III continues to cap the number of attendees at all private indoor gatherings at 25. Trick-or-treating and gatherings at locations where Halloween has traditionally prompted increased crowds, either indoors or on town roadways such as Gault Avenue and the Compo Beach area, are strongly discouraged.

If you do decide to participate in trick-or-treating on October 31, we recommend that it is done with increased precautions. Again, follow the CT Halloween Guidance and the recommendations from the CDC. Trick or treaters should be aware that if a home is darkened, it is likely not partaking in Halloween festivities and that decision should be respected.

Limit the amount of homes visited. Town officials advise parents to not drop off children in certain neighborhoods. Instead, it is advisable to keep all trick-or-treaters in their own neighborhoods. We also request that residents not arrange for food trucks or other food, drink or entertainment that promotes gathering in neighborhoods.

In addition to Halloween, the CDC site also has guidance for the upcoming holiday season. Please consider reviewing the guidance from the State and the CDC before making plans for your holidays.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

Reopen Strategy for Town Hall

Since March, town departments and staff have developed and utilized effective and efficient strategies that allowed municipal services to be provided to the public under the conditions imposed by COVID. With the continued risk of the virus and its potential for transmission, especially in the colder months, the town will continue to offer remote services as they are currently provided. Staff will continue to focus on phone and email communication to transact town business.

For business that must be conducted in-person, plans are underway to transition these appointments from the exterior tent to a controlled and sanitized environment within Town Hall. For the foreseeable future, to allow for contact tracing and to protect the health of staff and visitors, Town Hall will be open for in-person business by appointment only.

These decisions are for the protection of all residents and staff.  Furthermore, if there were to be a transmission in Town Hall, an entire department risks closure. Such a closure would have significant ramifications on the ability to provide necessary services. We are confident that the current procedures in our buildings have been successful because there has been no evidence of transmissions from within town facilities.  The safety and health of both the public and town employees remains paramount.

We call upon members of the public to participate in our virtual public meetings, by watching them live streaming on Optimum Channel 79, Frontier 6020 or the Town’s website (westportct.gov/watch).  Public comment instructions are in each meeting agenda, which are found on the town’s online meeting calendar at westportct.gov/calendar.

If you have any questions for town staff, please use the staff directory at westportct.gov/directory.  The search feature on the town’s website is the best way to find immediate answers to your questions during non-business hours.  We also welcome feedback on the usefulness of information on our website.

Other reminders

Flu shots are recommended and may be administered by your personal physician or at various area pharmacies.

The Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) remains an invaluable resource for those residents seeking daily information and guidance related to COVID-19, the upcoming flu season, and other health-related issues that affect our community. Visit their site at http://www.wwhd.org for daily updates and case numbers

Visit the Town of Westport’s COVID page for links to both private and town reopening statuses, as well as resources and information for residents and businesses.  Westportct.gov/covid19

Please remember to wear a face covering, social distance and practice good hygiene and sanitary measures.  Continue to stay connected by signing up or following us at:

Online:  http://www.westportct.gov/COVID19

Get Updates:  Signup for emergency alerts

Get Updates:  Sign up for email subscriptions

Social Media:  #ilovewestportct

Town Clerk Patricia Strauss, whose 22-year tenure saw the digitization of data and improved access to all town documents, will retire effective Dec. 31, First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today.

In 2014, First Selectman Jim Marpe swore in Patricia H. Strauss to her fifth term as Westport Town Clerk as her staff and son, Greg, looked on. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

“It is with regret that I accept Patty’s retirement letter,” Marpe said. “The Town of Westport and its residents have been extremely fortunate to be the beneficiaries of Patty’s expertise and historical knowledge for over 22 years.

“In addition to successfully managing all the intricacies of Town Clerk business, during Patty’s tenure, the town has digitized and improved the data and access to town documents and land records,” Marpe added. “The State of Connecticut has also benefited from her statewide leadership of fellow town clerks.”

Strauss has served as president of the Connecticut Town Clerks Association (CTCA), as well as on its executive board

Marpe said the town will begin a search process for her replacement.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work side-by-side with a group of such dedicated, hardworking fellow employees and volunteers who have supported my vision to move the town records from paper documents housed in the town vault, now accessible today in the digital world,” Strauss said. “I am proud to have held the position and title of Town Clerk serving the Town of Westport.

“I am grateful for the personal and professional support of this administration, and to have met so many wonderful Westport citizens assisting with their personal needs and interactions with the town clerk’s office over the years,” she added. “I will truly miss this part of each day.”

She added that she and her husband Ed look forward” to traveling new roads and sharing quality time with family and friends.”

On a personal level, Patty has provided me and my predecessors unwavering support and advice,” Marpe said. “I am thankful for her positive demeanor and unprecedented professional knowledge and skill. I wish her all the best as she enters this new chapter in her life. She will be truly missed.”