Westport Coronavirus: Public Schools Closed Until Further Notice

WESTPORT, CT — Westport Public Schools were closed Wednesday until further notice after officials said several students and parents were exposed to someone presumed to have coronavirus.

"Based upon discussions with and at the direction of Mr. Mark Cooper, Director of Health for the Westport Weston Health District, the Westport School District will be closed until further notice following today’s regularly scheduled dismissal," Interim Superintendent of Schools David Abbey said in a message to parents. "This includes all after-school and evening activities, including athletics."

Westport Public Schools had a delayed opening Tuesday to allow staff to prepare instructional materials in the event of a prolonged closure, which appears to be the situation.

Wilton Public Schools were also closed Wednesday until further notice under similar circumstances.

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On Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, a pandemic, which means there has been a worldwide transmission of the disease.

All Westport schools will be cleaned, according to Abbey. Read his announcement below:

Dear Westport Families,

We have just learned that a number of Westport parents and Westport Public School students, in schools throughout our district, were in contact with an individual presumed to be positive with coronavirus. Based upon discussions with and at the direction of Mr. Mark Cooper, Director of Health for the Westport Weston Health District, the Westport School District will be closed until further notice following today’s regularly scheduled dismissal. This includes all after-school and evening activities, including athletics. We will immediately begin deep cleaning our schools and in conjunction with the Westport Weston Health District will be consulting with state and federal officials.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Sincerely,
David Abbey
Interim Superintendent of Schools

On Tuesday, Staples High School postponed this weekend's performances of the student production "Seussical: The Musical" until late April due to concerns over COVID-19, Principal Stafford W. Thomas, Jr. announced:

Unfortunately, I am writing again today to inform you that our musical production Seussical, which was originally scheduled for both this weekend and next, has been postponed to later dates in April (24th, 25th & 26th). More information will follow, including updates along the way and how we will honor those tickets which have already been purchased. Obviously, this is a difficult decision but due to the similar measures suggested and taken by the various state agencies, see the decision from the CIAC today as an example, there was truly no other choice. Believe me, I know just how remarkable and hardworking our directors, producers, cast and crew members are and that is why we remain hopeful that we will be able to run the play during the weekend of April 24th. There will be more information to follow as these dates approach.

Sincerely,
Stafford W. Thomas, Jr. JD
Principal

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