Westport Coronavirus Update: 1st Death Reported; Fields Monitored

WESTPORT, CT — An 80-year-old resident died Thursday of complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19), Westport's first virus-related fatality, announced First Selectman Jim Marpe.

Details about the man were not disclosed, but in a statement, Marpe expressed "deepest condolences to his family."

As of Thursday, Westport had 125 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to state health officials. The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Connecticut reached 112 on Thursday, and confirmed cases in the state stood at 3,824.

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Fairfield County continues to be the epicenter of the virus in Connecticut, with 65 deaths and 2,132 confirmed cases, state health officials said.

For several days at one point last month, Westport had the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, largely due to the March 5 private party where dozens of attendees were exposed to the virus.

Stamford is now the state's hot spot, with 508 confirmed cases as of Thursday. Norwalk is next with 330 cases, according to state health officials.

Also on Thursday, Westport's Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava announced that the town's recreational facilities will be monitored to ensure that residents are adhering to social distancing requirements.

"We continue to find people, not only using our closed facilities, like athletic fields, courts, and other recreational areas, but also, gathering in groups at these and other Parks and Recreation and school facilities," Fava said. "In addition, there continues to be an issue with people not having dogs on leash, which is a current requirement due to the COVID-19 emergency. Parks and Recreation Department staff, in conjunction with School Security staff and the Westport Police Department will be monitoring the facilities to ensure compliance in an effort to protect the health and safety of our residents. Any non-compliance with staff will be referred to the Westport Police Department."

Below is Marpe's full statement Thursday:

I regret to inform you that Westport has experienced its first fatality resulting from COVID-19. Today, I was informed by the Westport Weston Health District that an 80-year old man from Westport has passed away.

On behalf of the entire Westport community, I want to express my deepest condolences to his family.

Please be assured that Westport worked, and continues to work, diligently and tirelessly to stop the spread of COVID-19, contain the contamination, and avoid infection by staying home and abiding by CDC guidelines. Unfortunately, and despite our best efforts at prevention, our community was not spared.

I want to take a moment to reflect on all of our neighbors who have and who continue to suffer from COVID-19. I know we are wrapping up another week that has been challenging and limiting. I am very appreciative how many of you have responded to our requests, remained in your homes and minimized social interaction.

As of yesterday, the State informs us that there have been 122 positive tests for COVID-19 in Westport. Each day this number continues to increase. Please continue practicing virus distancing, stay at home and avoid gatherings of any type.

On behalf of this resident, please think about your neighbors, your elderly community members and other vulnerable individuals when you practice isolation. Together as a community, we will weather the storm of this terrible crisis.