Westport Coronavirus Update: Call Out For Plasma Donations

WESTPORT, CT — With the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) reaching 158 in Westport as of Thursday, officials are asking that people who have recovered from the virus donate their plasma to help fight it.

The Westport Weston Health District made the request on behalf of area hospitals on the district's website this week.

"If you had COVID-19 and have recovered, you may be able to help save a life," officials wrote. "Your blood may contain antibodies that fight the virus and can help critically ill people."

For more information on donating, click here.

Westport did not report a coronavirus-related death on Thursday, but the number of patients in Connecticut who have died from it reached 380, according to state officials. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

The number of COVID-19 cases in Connecticut reached 9,784 on Thursday, with 4,884 of them in Fairfield County.

Earlier on Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that schools and non-essential businesses, such as restaurants, will remain closed in the state until at least May 20.

In a related move, Westport officials announced the creation of a new, non-profit organization called Social Venture Partners, which is designed to help the town's businesses "navigate the current COVID-19 crisis and plan strategically for the post-COVID-19 business environment."

Read the full announcement below:

The Town of Westport, in partnership with the Westport-based non-profit organization Social Venture Partners (SVP), announced today that it has launched the Local Business Advisor Program. The program will provide support to Westport’s businesses as they navigate the current COVID-19 crisis and plan strategically for the post-COVID-19 business environment. As the cornerstone of the program, SVP volunteers, who include talented businessmen and women with expertise in various key areas, will be paired with local business owners to provide cost-free, individual, and confidential advisory services on such issues as:

· Basic Financial Modeling
· Understanding COVID-19-related government programs and loan options
· Online Business Platforms, Marketing and Social Media
· Human Resource Issues

Advisory information shall be held in strict confidence and will not be shared with the Town by SVP.

Second Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, who is overseeing this program on behalf of the Selectman’s Office, noted, “We are eager to support Westport’s local businesses and help provide the resources they need during this extraordinarily difficult time. Our local businesses are the backbone of our community. They not only provide us with many essential goods and services, they are also our friends and neighbors who support our residents in countless ways every day. We are committed to helping them survive and thrive in the weeks and months ahead.”

“SVP is thrilled to partner with the Town of Westport on such an important program. We deeply value the local business community and the many contributions they make to Westport. Our volunteers are very happy to share their expertise with local businesses as they navigate these unprecedented times," stated Marjorie Almansi of SVP.

Businesses are eligible to participate in the program if they have a bricks and mortar presence in Westport, an employee base, and have been an established business for at least one year.

Westport-based businesses interested in participating in the Local Business Advisor Program should email LBAPInfo@westportct.gov.

For more information about SVP, please visit https://www.socialventurepartners.org/connecticut/

Visit https://www.westportct.gov/COVID19 for more information on the Town of Westport’s response, resources and information on issues related to COVID-19.