Coronavirus Westport: 'Many Hundreds' Exposed To Virus

WESTPORT, CT — Hundreds of Westporters were likely infected with the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in early March before local health officials learned that there was a potential outbreak of the virus in town, according to Westport Weston Health District Director Mark Cooper.

Health officials first learned on March 11 of the potential that 40 people from a March 5 private party in town may have exposed to the virus, but soon discovered that significantly more people were at the event and potentially exposed.

"As the situation unfolded, it quickly became clear that there were more than only 40 people involved," Cooper wrote on the health district's website. "The initial round of testing on March 12th did not capture everyone on the initial list of people, so, in an effort to get ahead of the virus, WWHD scheduled a second round of testing. This round was completed on March 18, 2020. Those tested will be contacted by WWHD clinical staff once results are back from the lab."

As of Thursday, 42 people in Westport have tested positive for COVID-19, according to First Selectman Jim Marpe, and he expects the number to rise. It more than doubled from March 16 to March 19.

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Added Cooper, "Potential exposures were many hundreds before it was even reported to the WWHD. Although our efforts could not contain the virus, the information obtained (20 initial positive test results from March 12th testing) was important because it demonstrated that the virus was, in fact, in our community."

Because more testing is still needed, local officials have arranged for additional community testing exclusively for residents of Westport and Weston.

Murphy Medical Associates, a private company, will offer drive-thru test collection on the following dates/times:

Tuesday, March 24, 2000
8:30AM – 12:00PM
Bedford Middle School
88 North Ave.
Westport, CT

Tuesday March 31, 2020
8:30AM to 12:00PM
Bedford Middle School
88 North Ave.
Westport, CT

Tuesday, April 7, 2020
8:30AM – 12:00PM
Bedford Middle School
88 North Ave.
Westport, CT

"These will be in car testing," officials said. "Everyone must stay in their cars. Pre-registration is required. Visit www.coronatestct.com or call 203-658-6051 to learn more and begin the screening process."

Additionally, there are also other testing opportunities around the state, some of which are listed below.

"People can learn more about the screening process, and if appropriate, testing will be arranged."

• Yale New Haven Health system COVID-19 Call Center 1-833-275-9644
• Hartford Health Care hotline 1-833-621-0600
• Stamford Health COVID hotline 1-203-276-4111
• Connecticut Children’s Hospital 1-833-226-2362
• DOCS Urgent Care https://docsmedicalgroup.com/telemedicine/