Town Sets Up 'ReOpen Westport' Team For Post-Coronavirus Pandemic

WESTPORT, CT — As the town reports its 16th coronavirus-related fatality, Westport officials on Friday began also to look toward a post-pandemic future with the establishment of a "ReOpen Westport" team to help with the transition out of the shutdown.

"First, I want to express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have died as a result of this horrific virus," said Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe. "We as a community mourn with you and send thoughts that your loved ones will remain in your hearts forever."

In addition to the town's 16 deaths as of Friday, Westport also had 247 confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, according to state health officials.

(View Patch's Coronavirus Timeline "From Party Zero to 27,000 Cases")

Statewide as of Friday there were 28,764 confirmed cases and 2,339 deaths. Fairfield County continues to lead all counties in the state in both categories with 11,612 cases and 839 deaths.

Current hospitalizations in Connecticut dropped by 58 to 1,592 as of Friday, but the number of coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes spiked in the past week to 958 as of May 1.

Marpe said that while there are some positive signs in the fight against the virus, he understands that the town and the state are not out of trouble yet. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

"I fully recognize that many are struggling financially, emotionally and physically," Marpe said. "I understand these hardships and encourage reaching out and seeking whatever help you feel you may need. Please consult the Town website: www.westportct.gov/covidresources for a resident resources guide related to COVID-19.

"Let me also remind everyone to check on their neighbors who may be in need or vulnerable, even if only to send an encouraging message or a kind word. We must remain strong in our collective conviction to resist this pandemic so that it takes no further unnecessary toll on our community.

"While we obviously cannot yet declare victory over COVID-19, we are seeing an indication of the curve flattening, with the expectation that it will start its descent shortly. This trend is promising, but in no way means that we can let our guard down. Again, the safest place to be is in our homes, and if at all possible, leave only to get essentials at grocery stores or pharmacies. If you do leave your home, the Governor has issued an executive order whereby you must have a face covering if there is an expectation that you are not able to maintain social distancing. Social distancing and wearing facemasks are recommendations that are working, but they are absolutely no substitute for remaining safe and in your home."

This is from Marpe's Friday announcement:

ReOpen Westport Team Formed

First Selectman Marpe has announced the formation of the ReOpen Westport Advisory Team. The purpose of the ReOpen Westport Advisory Team will be to advise the First Selectman on issues relating to the reopening of our local economy and community as we navigate the risks of COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. The group will help ensure Westport is prepared as a local business community for the weeks and months ahead. The most important part of that process will be to seek input from local business and community leaders in both an overall and segmented way.

Yesterday Governor Lamont presented an approach that his administration is considering to reopen Connecticut’s economy in phases beginning May 20, 2020. Westport will continue taking the lead from the State of CT and health experts, but will simultaneously ensure that the status of COVID-19 and the local needs within Westport take precedence to any re-opening decisions.

Mr. Marpe stated, “The State of Connecticut is participating in a Regional multi-state effort to coordinate short-term and long-term strategies for economic recovery and public health and safety. In addition, Governor Lamont has named a Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group which will be specifically focused on the needs of Connecticut through this unprecedented period. And I am working with my counterparts in nearby communities on similar initiatives.”

“It is important to form an advisory team here in Westport as well.” Marpe continued, “This will ensure that our local business owners have open communication with local officials while seeking clarity on any guidelines established for re-opening. I have asked Second Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker to chair the team. Jen has been the administration's primary liaison with the local business community, developing a wide range of contacts and insight within that community. We value our local businesses and want to support them as they navigate these unprecedented times.”

Additional information on this team and its activities will be forthcoming in the days and weeks ahead.

2020 Shred Day Canceled

Town Clerk Patricia Strauss announced that the Annual Community Shred Day scheduled for Saturday, May 9 is canceled.

Strauss said, “Public safety and the safety of town personnel is paramount. Staying home to stay safe guidelines are still in effect. While at home, many residents have taken this opportunity to clean out and organize their paper files and, as in prior years, had planned to participate in this event.”

Rental and Sale of Real Estate Guidelines

As the warmer weather approaches, many residents may be considering either selling or renting their homes or other properties. Per Governor Lamont’s directive, travelers, interested home buyers, and renters should remember that any person coming to Connecticut by any mode of transportation for any reason is strongly urged to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Note that short term rentals of 31 days or less, for vacation or leisure purposes, are not permitted at this time.

The WWHD has issued further guidance and recommendations that the public should review before considering any real estate rental or purchase transactions in the coming months. It is on the www.wwhd.org website.

Finally, thank you for the many emails and phone calls. We appreciate your feedback and take your concerns and suggestions seriously and evaluate them in light of the overall public health guidelines. As we are reviewing a significant number of incoming messages, we attempt to address most general questions and comments in our regular press releases and email blasts. In the meantime, please stay connected by signing up or following us at:

- Online: www.westportct.gov/COVID19

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