Westport Announces Enforcement Protocols During Reopening

WESTPORT, CT — Westport's police and fire departments, and the Westport Weston Health District, will coordinate their efforts on education, complaints monitoring, and enforcement as the town and state reopens from the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced.

Earlier this week, Connecticut's Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection issued its Protocol for Enforcing Reopen CT Sector Guidelines, which town officials reviewed and will implement through the three above named agencies.

"The town continues to prioritize the health and safety of our community while reopening and supporting our local businesses," officials said. "This includes the promotion of policies that ensure social distancing and reminders to the public at large to carry and wear [personal protective equipment]. As the State moves toward reopening more business segments this summer, the Town is committed to proceeding carefully."

Added Westport Second Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, "The ReOpen Westport Advisory Team is working diligently to ensure that local businesses are well informed about the state's reopening rules. Compliance with these rules are important to the health of our community and our economy. Our enforcement efforts will look to educate before taking enforcement action. We want to build confidence throughout the community that we can do business and stay healthy."

This is from the town's announcement on the enforcement protocol underway:

- The Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) licenses restaurants and the beauty industry. As such, the WWHD will lead regulatory charge for ensuring compliance of the State rules during reopening.

- The First Selectman has designated Fire Marshal Nathaniel Gibbons as the Chief Enforcement Officer for the town pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 7PP. The Fire Marshal will lead the enforcement efforts for all non-WWHD regulated industries. Efforts will include counseling spot checks, referrals and coordination with the WWHD and PD.

- The Police Department will be responsible for intake and tracking of all complaints. It will be the repository for all enforcement actions taken per business. It will utilize investigations to ensure compliance and work with the business owners to correct actions.

Westporters have been contacting various town entities to express their concerns with the activities of residents and businesses. The Police Department requests that anyone looking to report an act of non-compliance or to file a complaint regarding business operations to please call the Police non-emergency line at 203-341-6000 and local protocols as described above will be followed.

The State’s 211 line remains available for those who choose to file a complaint with the State.

ReOpen Westport Advisory Team:

The gradual reopening of the Westport business community has begun. The ReOpen Westport Advisory Team has been working closely with the business segments that are part of the State of Connecticut's Phase 1 Plan which includes offices, retailers and restaurants (outside dining only). These businesses have been reimagining their physical space to accommodate for the social distancing and cleaning requirements of today's COVID-19 reality. They are eager to serve the Westport community again, with the safety and health of their employees and customers as the priority.

First Selectman Jim Marpe reiterated, "We have some of the most creative and adaptive local business owners in Westport. They understand how important this gradual reopening is for the community and the economy. We are working together, under the State's guidance and rules, to reopen safely and carefully. We want to build confidence throughout the community that we can do business and stay healthy. We look forward to the weeks ahead as we continue on this journey together."

Please check directly with the local business as many of them have new operating hours and appointment or booking procedures.

For information regarding the State's reopening guidelines for Phase1 businesses and the work of the ReOpen Westport Advisory Team, please click www.westportct.gov/reopening

Please continue to stay connected by signing up or following us at:

- Online: www.westportct.gov/COVID19

- Get Updates: Signup for emergency alerts

- Get Updates: Sign up for email subscriptions

- Social Media: #Westportctcovid19info