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.
Westport Property Transfers: 02/08/21 - 02/12/21
Westport property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $50,447.25
Total Sales: $21,079,000
Highest Transfer Price: 4 Bluewater Lane: $5,125,000
Lowest Transfer Price: 24 Oakview Circle: $350,000
Transfers:
4 Bluewater Lane: $5,125,000
8 Brookside Drive: $4,477,500
123 Compo Road South: $1,700,000
15 Turkey Hill Circle: $1,349,000
5 Fraser Road: $1,180,000
72 Kings Highway South: $1,027,500
254 Saugatuck Avenue: $929,000
4 Bolton Lane: $925,000
6 North Ridge Road (0.5%): $900,000
6 North Ridge Road (0.5%): $900,000
44 Roseville Road: $660,000
316 Lansdowne: $625,000
37 Otter Trail (0.5 interest): $465,000
37 Otter Trail (0.5 interest): $465,000
24 Oakview Circle: $350,000
Westport Cumulative COVID-19 Cases Up 3; Deaths Unchanged; State Positivity Rate 2.22%
The Westport-Weston Health District reports that Westport has added 3 positive or probable COVID-19 cases, and has added 0 new deaths.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,400 cases. Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 28 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 2.22%
First Selectman’s Update
Press Release from First Selectman Jim MarpeWestport, CT - First Selectman Jim Marpe today issued the following update on the COVID Vaccine:
This week, Governor Ned Lamont announced that effective March 1, individuals age 55 and over, along with educators and childcare professionals, will be eligible to sign up for appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible residents are encouraged to make vaccine appointments at any available clinic (see update from the Westport Weston Health District below).
The State of Connecticut has a color-coded map indicating the average daily rate of COVID-19 cases among persons living in community settings per 100,000 population by town. According to a 14-day rolling average, Westport now has a rate of 13.5 corresponding to the orange color category of 10-14 cases per 100,000. The colors are meant to provide communities an accurate account of the prevalence of COVID-19 so that the appropriate personal precautions can be managed. This is the first time that Westport is back in the orange category after being in the red since early November.
Given this status, the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends no change to adherence to the rules of phase 2.1 listed below. The map and additional data links can be seen on Westport’s town page at www.westportct.gov/covid19.
While the trend is encouraging, it does not mean that anyone, even those who have been vaccinated, should discontinue adherence to CDC guidelines regarding use of adequate face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing. Also, the Statewide daily numbers are on a slight incline again and we have yet to see the effects of the February holiday break.
Due to the virility of new COVID variants, it is recommended that two masks be worn – a disposal/surgical mask worn UNDER a cloth mask to insure increased protection.
Westport Superintendent of Schools Tom Scarice announced that the Westport, Easton/Redding (ER9) and Weston School Districts have agreed to work together with the Westport-Weston Health District (WWHD) to sponsor COVID-19 vaccination clinics dedicated to district personnel. By working together, there is a better chance of securing adequate vaccines as quickly as possible.
Organization and management of the vaccination clinics will be led by WWHD and the Westport Public Schools, with each district providing nurses, security, and administrative support as necessary. The first clinic for eligible school personnel will be held at Staples High School next week.
Update from the Westport Weston Health District:
According to WWHD Director Mark Cooper, the WWHD is following CT-DPH guidelines and directives to vaccinate school and childcare personnel as quickly as possible. The CDC and CT-DPH have established a duel vaccine stream to supply vaccine suppliers, such as the WWHD, enough vaccine to vaccinate school and childcare personnel and those that will meet the new age eligibility requirements. As before, there continues to be a shortage of vaccine nationally and statewide, meaning everyone cannot expect to be vaccinated all at once. The number of vaccinations will continue to be rationed and allocated based on the supply made available to providers by the state. This includes school and childcare personnel, as well as the new age eligibility groups. The CT-DPH has indicated they expect an incrementally increasing supply of vaccine in the coming weeks. The WWHD will continue to request the maximum amount of vaccine it can receive on a weekly basis and do everything possible to inoculate all those who would like to be vaccinated as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible.
Currently Eligible Individuals:
Healthcare Personnel
Long Term Care Facility Residents
Medical First Responders
Residents and Staff of Select Congregate Settings
Individuals 65 and older – residents and workers within the State of CT who are 65+
Eligibility Starting March 1st:
Educators and Child Care Providers: Pre-K – 12 Teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, food service providers, school bus drivers and childcare providers as well as in-school administrative staff. Does not include individuals who are not required to work on-site in a school.
Individuals 55 and Older: Residents and employees within the State of CT who are 55+
To view a statewide list and map of COVID-19 vaccine clinics, go to www.211ct.org/vaccineclinics, enter your zip code or town in the location box on the right and press the yellow search icon. As supplies to the Health District increase, the opening of more clinics appointments is anticipated. The important point is that residents use the resources currently available to schedule vaccines and remain patient if delays occur. Currently, appointments can be made utilizing the following tools:
VAMS online system: VAMS is the Vaccine Administration Management System and can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the state. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment assist line is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. To make an appointment, call 877-918-2224.
Hartford HealthCare: Hartford HealthCare has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the Hartford area. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Yale New Haven Health: Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Stamford Health: Stamford Health is operating a clinic seven days per week at Stamford Hospital. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Walgreens: Walgreens is currently offering the vaccine at 12 different locations and will soon be adding many more across the state. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
CVS: CVS is currently offering the vaccine in four locations (Colchester, Putnam, Waterford, and Windsor Locks) and will be expanding to 12 more locations in the next week. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Walmart: Walmart will be offering the vaccine at seven locations across the state (Hartford, New Haven, North Windham, Norwalk, Torrington, Waterbury, and West Haven). To make an appointment using this system, click here.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
Superintent’s Update: March 3rd Virtual Learning day for Educator Vaccinations
Press Release from Superintendent Thomas ScariceGood afternoon,
It’s been a very busy week and I would like to provide the school community with some updates.
“We’re Tired of Being A Part of History”
“We’re tired of being a part of history.” Eight words uttered by one of our middle schoolers recently. Eight words that capture the sentiments and experience of a generation. For me, these are eight words that scream, “Enough!!”
A generation of post-9/11 babies, raised in schools pierced by the haunting of Sandy Hook. Digital dopamine dispensers at their fingertips. The destructive funhouse mirror of social media staring them in the face. Overly exposed to images of violence and sex. Social unrest. A generational pandemic. Enough!!
“If you can’t give children optimism, then what are you doing?” – Matt Haig
I awoke Wednesday morning to a news briefing in my inbox titled, “No ‘COVID Zero’, But Normalcy: ‘Covid zero’ isn’t going to happen — but normal life still can.” (https://tinyurl.com/dfjs3xh4)
The optimism that was forecasted weeks ago is just beginning to be realized.
It is true that Covid, like other coronaviruses, will circulate for years. Yet, the expectation of managing Covid, similar to the seasonal flu, is just before us.
Infection rates have dropped precipitously since January, vaccines are racing to communities, treatments are proving to be effective, and testing is ubiquitous. Although ‘Covid zero’ is not in our immediate future, the return to an approximation of normalcy is.
As was noted in the news briefing that landed in my inbox, “The seasonal flu does not grind life to a halt. It does not keep people from flying on airplanes, eating in restaurants, visiting their friends or going to school and work.”
While Mother Nature’s traditional New England winter begins to recede, and daylight savings approaches with sunsets closer to 7:00 P.M. than school dismissal, there is reason for optimism as the anticipation intensifies.
How a Community Works…Together
“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say ‘It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” -Fred Rogers
Monday morning I rang a bell. That bell was heard by leaders in our community: First Selectman Jim Marpe, Westport/Weston Health District Director Mark Cooper, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Kronick, WPS Human Resources Director John Bayers, WPS Supervisor of Health Services, Sue Levasseur. In a matter of three days these community leaders imagined, planned, and designed a comprehensive school-based vaccination clinic for all WPS personnel. My words could never do this justice, but it was an illustration of how a community works...together.
School-Based Vaccination Clinics
Through a partnership with the Westport/Weston Health District, and in collaboration with Weston and Easton, I could not be more enthused to announce that our first vaccination clinic will be held Wednesday March 3 in the Staples High School Field House from 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. for members of the Westport Public Schools team!!
The plan is to hold clinics each successive Wednesday, based on vaccine availability, until all personnel who want to be vaccinated have had the opportunity. By working across three school districts, there is a better chance of securing adequate vaccines as quickly as possible.
Per Governor Lamont, priority must be given to educators who have direct contact with schools and students. All district employees, food service employees, transportation providers, and those who have direct contact with schools and students, will be eligible to receive the vaccine as of March 1 at any location, including the school-based clinic.
We will proceed as quickly as possible in having as many personnel vaccinated, which means that we may have remote days when vaccines are being offered, and we may have to factor in non-school days if side effects from the second dose result in staffing issues.
Remote Learning Day March 3
In order to mobilize our personnel and vaccinate as many members of the WPS school community as possible, March 3 will be a remote learning day for all students, Pre-K-12. It will be synchronous for students as staff members with scheduled vaccine appointments will alert their students to transition to asynchronous work when they go for their shots. Students will resume synchronous learning once the staff member returns to their assignment.
Additional information regarding upcoming clinics, and how they may or may not impact the school day, is forthcoming.
What’s Next
As our implementation of full in-person learning continues, PreK-8, and the high school model increases access to in-person learning for Staples students Monday March 1, we will continue to monitor our progress in advancing forward in a measured, safe way. Vaccinations are a significant leap in the direction of increasing a sense of normalcy for our students. Updates will be provided on further access at Staples and end of the year events. Let the optimism grow and impart it to the children around you. Stay tuned...
Nominations of Westport High School Seniors Needed for Community Service Award
Press ReleaseHuman Services Director Elaine Daignault has announced that the Westport Youth Commission is seeking nominations for the annual James S. Bacharach Service to the Community Award.
Ms. Daignault noted, “All qualified high school seniors from Westport are eligible for this award. This honor, given to one or more high school seniors from Westport, recognizes their significant community service contributions in our town.”
Citations have been given annually since 1989 as a tribute to the late James S. Bacharach, founder and past-president of the Youth Adult Council, predecessor of the Westport Youth Commission, which Bacharach and other concerned citizens founded in 1974. “Eligible nominations must demonstrate the student’s exemplary leadership ability and high standards of community service to Westport,” Daignault said. “Either adults or students may nominate a deserving high school senior for their contributions to our community.”
Nomination forms are available online at http://www.westportct.gov/youthservices and westportyouthcommission.org. Hard copies of the nomination form can be mailed by request.
Submissions must be accompanied by two references. A maximum of two letters of support attesting to the student’s contributions to the town can be uploaded to the application or emailed separately to kgodburn@westportct.gov . Applications/nominations must be received no later than 6pm on Friday, March 26, 2021 for consideration.
About the Westport Youth Commission
The Westport Youth Commission, appointed by the First Selectman and staffed by the Department of Human Services, is comprised of 15 Westport high school students and an equal number of Westport adults. It serves as a catalyst for programs and activities that promote the positive development of youth in their families, schools, community and among their peers.
For further information, contact Kevin Godburn at 203-341-1155, or via e-mail at kgodburn@westportct.gov.
Superintendent: 5 New Cases in 2 Schools; 1 Employee
Press Release Dear Westport Families and Staff,
In our efforts to remain transparent with reports of positive Covid-19 cases associated with our schools, we will continue to provide these updates as information is confirmed. As of the time I am writing to you this evening we have 5 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19. The reports came from the following schools:
Greens Farms Elementary School - 2
Long Lots Elementary School - 2
Districtwide Employee - 1
Those impacted have been notified by school and District officials. As a reminder, families are asked to report positive of COVID-19 cases of students using our reporting voicemail or email regardless of whether the students are in remote or hybrid models of instruction. Please follow this link for more information on reporting.
Additionally, we want to remind families that students with pending Covid-19 tests should not return to school until receiving negative results. This approach is critical in helping us continue minimizing the potential for transmission in our schools.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Waxing Gibbous Moon 96% Full Tonight over Old Mill
Tonight’s moon as seen from Old Mill Beach this evening.