Westport Coronavirus Update: Masks Available For Small Businesses

WESTPORT, CT — The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Westport rose by one to 256 as of Wednesday, while the number of residents who have died from the virus remained at 17, according to state health officials.

Statewide, the number of confirmed cases rose by 374 to 30,995 as of Wednesday, and the number of deaths also increased by 85 to 2,718, officials said.

Additionally, Coronavirus-related hospitalizations in Connecticut dropped by 55 to 1,445 as of Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, Westport announced a program to supply eligible small businesses in town with a supply of surgical masks. The announcement is below:

The State of Connecticut has partnered with CBIA-CONNSTEP to assist in the distribution of donated surgical masks to eligible, essential small businesses with 50 employees or less.

How? By using this link: https://www.ctcovidresponse.org/ct-smb-surgical-mask-requests.

Deadline for submission is early afternoon on Thursday, May 7.

What are eligible, essential small businesses?

Eligible, essential small businesses must have 50 employees or less with a need for surgical masks. There is a limit of 2 per employee.

The list of essential businesses is available here: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Business-Exemptions-for-Coronavirus

How to pick up: If your request is accepted, the State will notify the Town of Westport of your order. You will be contacted when the items arrive and where to pick them up locally.

Additional Information:

How often will this distribution to small businesses be occurring?

· At this time, this is a one-time distribution of masks to eligible, essential small businesses in Connecticut.

Should all eligible, essential small businesses request masks?

· Eligible, essential small businesses and employees that have limited contact with the public are strongly urged to create their own facemasks following CDC guidelines. We must ensure the limited supply of surgical masks is available to eligible, essential businesses that need them the most.

Will every requestor receive masks?

· Supplies are limited at this time; therefore, it is possible that not all requestors will receive the masks they request.

How many times can surgical masks be used?

· The CDC recommends the preservation of necessary PPE by instituting extended use policies. Additionally, FEMA, recommends preservation methods to reduce, reuse and repurpose PPE. Both FEMA and CDC guidelines can be found here.

Cloth Face Mask Instructions

Westport officials are concerned that improper use of cloth face masks will reduce the effectiveness of the masks. According to the CDC, cloth face coverings should—

· fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

· be secured with ties or ear loops

· include multiple layers of fabric

· allow for breathing without restriction

· be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

· Do not place hands on front of mask when placing on or taking off. Use ear loops or attached ties to secure or remove.

Generic instructions for cloth mask use can be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html. The World Health Organization has downloadable reference materials that can be used for quick visual reference: https://www.who.int/images/default-source/health-topics/coronavirus/risk-communications/general-public/protect-yourself/infographics/masks-infographic---final.tmb-1920v.png

To follow or check updates:

• Online: www.westportct.gov/COVID19

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· Social Media: #Westportctcovid19info