Westport Coronavirus: 20 Test Positive; Emergency Declared

WESTPORT, CT — Twenty people in Westport tested positive for the new coronavirus as of Monday, prompting First Selectman Jim Marpe to declare a local emergency.

The status of those patients was not disclosed, nor did Marpe or town health officials disclose whether the people are at home under quarantine or hospitalized. The number of infected residents could rise as more tests are administered, officials said.

"The onset of the COVID-19 virus has introduced a public health crisis to Westport," Marpe said in a statement. "Executive Director of the Westport Weston Public Health Department Mark Cooper, has advised that of the 31 Westport residents recently tested for the presence of the COVID-19 virus, 20 tested positive for the virus. This confirms that the virus has developed a significant presence in our community and highlights the need to take a much more aggressive action to limit the spread of the virus through social contact."

The Local Civil Preparedness Emergency is granted to the First Selectman under Connecticut General Statute (C.G.S.) 28-8a and Westport’s Emergency Preparedness Ordinance, Chapter 26, Article III, and it allows Marpe to locally carry out many of the orders by Gov. Ned Lamont earlier on Monday.

Effective at 8 p.m. Monday and until further notice:

• All public restaurants, bars, delis and food establishments that offer dine-in service in Westport will be closed, and only curb-side food pickup or deliveries will be permitted.
• All commercial gyms and fitness centers will be closed.
• All nail salons and barbershops must operate by appointment only.
• All social or other gatherings will be prohibited at the Inn at Longshore.

Over the weekend, the Compo Beach playground was closed and the parking lots to Compo and Burying Hill beaches were closed. The Westport Library was also closed.

(Stay on top of Westport coronavirus updates and more. Sign up for Westport breaking news alerts and newsletters.)

Westport schools are closed until at least March 26 and distance learning starts Tuesday.

"There have been repeated calls by the Town and the Health District for residents to socially isolate or distance themselves in order to 'flatten the curve' of the virus spread and the closing of the Westport Public Schools," Marpe said. "Nevertheless, many instances and opportunities to gather in groups and to further spread the virus remain.

"I want to thank our residents, the public and private schools and all the local organizations, houses of worship, businesses and other groups that have worked to fulfill the previous request to not gather in groups. Unfortunately, based on the advice of Health Director Mark Cooper and other public health experts, I concluded that the Town must take additional steps under the LCPE to reduce any group gatherings and minimize social contact.

"We support and encourage local restaurant curb-side pick-up and direct delivery of food at this time. We recognize the financial and operational hardships that this introduces to the businesses and employees as well as the inconvenience to their customers. This decision has not been taken lightly, but is nevertheless demanded because of the risks of the current COVID-19 public health crisis. We encourage all residents to patronize any businesses that remain open under required conditions. Westport is committed to promoting the patronage of these businesses as much as possible."

Residents are encouraged to sign up or follow these Westport resources:

• Online: www.westportct.gov/COVID19
• Get Updates: Signup for emergency alerts
• Get Updates: Sign up for email subscriptions
• Social Media: #Westportctcovid19info