Westport Coronavirus: Testing Efforts Ramp Up

WESTPORT, CT — While the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has risen to 68 in Connecticut, the number beyond 20 in Westport has not been updated, but officials said residents should assume the virus is "everywhere" in the community.

"It is no longer about parties, schools, religious institutions, employment, etc.," said Westport Weston Health District Director Mark Cooper. "Residents should assume that COVID-19 is everywhere and that anyone could have it. It has been shown that some people can have the virus with no symptoms at all. The number of COVID-19 cases in Westport and the State of Connecticut are going up and they will continue to increase."

Based on Patch reporting, among the communities — besides Westport — with confirmed cases are Bethlehem, Darien, Farmington, Greenwich, Milford, New Canaan, New Haven, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Rocky Hill, Stamford, Stratford, Waterbury and Wilton.

Fairfield County has the most confirmed cases by far in the state with 48, according to Gov. Ned Lamont. The county with the next closest number of confirmed cases is New Haven County with eight.

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COVID-19 testing is now available at several locations around Connecticut and can be accessed through its 2-1-1 hotline, according to Cooper and First Selectman Jim Marpe. The WWHD's initial contact trace testing is completed; the district has one final round of testing for those who were part of the initial investigation and is only open to those already contacted directly by the WWHD.

"Residents who feel symptomatic of COVID-19 should stay at home and call or email their primary care provider with questions," officials said. "Residents can call the State of Connecticut’s 2-1-1 line if instructed by their primary care provider to arrange testing or if they have questions about being tested. A series of questions will be asked by a 2-1-1 representative to determine if testing is appropriate."

The health district has contacted all those it became aware that had contact with a COVID-19 positive person involved in the initial outbreak and that it had tested.

"Those who tested positive for COVID-19 are being advised to practice strict voluntary isolation," officials said. "They are instructed not to go out, but to stay home. If they require something and must go out, they should do so during times there are fewer people out. Masks and gloves should be worn so as not to spread the virus."

Information on those patients, such as their genders, ages and locations in town, was not disclosed.

To avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19, the district again reminds residents to practice everything that has already been recommended including washing your hands thoroughly, not touching your face and practicing social distancing.

Yesterday’s announcement about closing restaurants, bars, and theaters is a step towards implementing social distancing. Day care facilities continue to remain open. Day care facilities provide essential services and the WWHD is working closely with them to reinforce the message that it is incumbent upon them to keep their staff and children safe. They have been requested to use thermometers and practice hygienic measures. If a staff member or child becomes infected by COVID-19, the WWHD will close that specific facility. It is in the facilities' and the parents' best interest to keep sick children at home.

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