Westport Coronavirus Update: Masks Required At Transfer Station

WESTPORT, CT — Residents dropping off their garbage at the Westport Transfer Station on the Sherwood Island Connector will be required to wear a mask or face covering, beginning Saturday, April 25, as a precaution against the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

First Selectman Jim Marpe and Public Works Director Peter Ratkiewich made the announcement on Friday, the latest coronavirus-related policy at the transfer station. A few weeks ago, Ratkiewich urged residents not to bring bulky items, and not expect assistance from staff with carting garbage from the vehicle to the dump.

As of Friday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Westport climbed to 228, according to health officials. No deaths were reported.

Statewide, the number of coronavirus hospitalizations dropped by 70 cases to 1,877 as of Friday, but the number of deaths rose by 125 to 1,764. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

In Fairfield County, the number of new positive cases climbed by more than 200 on Friday from 10,008 to 10,227.

This is the text of the announcement from Marpe and Ratkiewich:

As we are all aware, the Coronavirus crisis is ongoing. Public safety and the safety of town personnel is paramount. To that end, the following update related to the Transfer Station management will now be enforced. Further, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our efforts to socially distance and insure we are using face masks when outside our homes.

Transfer Station Traffic Management and Use of Face Masks

Public Works Director Peter Ratkiewich announced today that new rules at the Westport Transfer station will go in effect on Saturday 4/25. In order to facilitate the Governor’s social distancing and mask directives, the following must be observed:

• Anyone and everyone using the Transfer Station will be required to have a mask covering their nose and mouth.
• The number of vehicles allowed into the facility at any time will be limited and monitored. Please obey the directions of Transfer Station personnel.
• During high traffic periods, (Saturdays, Mondays), residents are instructed to queue in a single line and wait to enter the station on the southbound side of the Sherwood Island Connector. DPW Personnel will be directing traffic.
• Residents are expected to dump and move out of the transfer station as soon as they are done. No loitering or congregating will be tolerated.
• No walk-ins will be allowed
• Transfer Station personnel have been instructed to refrain from coming into contact with either individuals or refuse brought to the station by residents. As a result, they will not be assisting residents with the removal or disposal of solid waste from vehicles. Residents should not bring bulky waste items that require uploading assistance and should keep these items at home until this protocol is lifted.
• During this time, all fees and collection of refuse tickets will be waived.

Reminders

The Governor’s Executive Order 7BB requires cloth face coverings or higher level of protection in public wherever close contact is unavoidable; this includes entering any open establishment such as a grocery store or pharmacy as well as when engaging in outside physical activity including walking, running or biking.

Note that all dogs must be leashed when not on private property. There are NO public areas in town where dogs are allowed without a leash; control must be maintained by the owner. This includes ALL areas of Winslow Park, including those usually designated as off-leash.

With the warm weather and weekend on the horizon, the instinct may be to gather outside. Outside physical activity is encouraged, but face masks must be used and adequate social distancing maintained. Town beach parking lots, athletic fields, public sports courts and Longshore golf course remain closed until further notice. Please do not move any barricades that have been set up for your safety at any public (or private) lot or field, and do not gather in any location. The Police Department again requests that residents refrain from any social gatherings of greater than five people in private homes or yards without practicing adequate social distancing at all times.

The cooperation and patience of the public in abiding by these directives is requested.

Thank you.