Westport Coronavirus Update: New Testing Site Opens

WESTPORT, CT — A new coronavirus (COVID-19) testing site has been established at the St. Vincent's Behavioral Health facility on Long Lots Road, announced the Westport Weston Health District.

The drive-thru site, which is staffed by St. Vincent's, requires registration before visiting, but people do not need to have coronavirus symptoms when they schedule an appointment.

According Mark Cooper, director of the health district, "this site will be a convenient, local option for residents that will enable a higher number of people to be tested each day." To make an appointment, call 1-860-972-8100.

"Expanded testing options like this one will help to better manage the spread of disease, as many patients can be positive without ever having experienced symptoms," Cooper said.

As of Monday, 17 Westport residents have died of complications from COVID-19, and the town had 255 confirmed cases, according to state health officials. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

On Monday, Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe today released the names of the ReOpen Westport Advisory Team, and additional information on its mission.

As previously stated, the purpose of the Advisory Team will be to advise Marpe on issues relating to the reopening of the local economy and community, as Westport navigates the risks of COVID-19 for the foreseeable future.

The members of the Advisory Team are as follows:

Jennifer Tooker, Second Selectwoman – Chair

John Bayers, Director of Human Resources & General Administration – Westport Public Schools

Mark Cooper, Director – Westport Weston Health District

Jen Fava, Parks and Recreation Director

Sara Harris, Operations Director

Chief Foti Koskinas – Westport Police Department

Mary Young, Planning and Zoning Director

Randy Herbertson, President – Westport Downtown Merchants Association

Matthew Mandell, Director – Westport / Weston Chamber of Commerce

Brian Stern, Chair – Board of Finance

This is from Marpe's Monday announcement:

The Advisory Team will be focused on working with the local business community. It is not charged with making regulatory decisions. Westport will generally follow the guidelines issued by the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group and Governor Lamont. However, there will likely be operational issues that will arise with our local business owners through this gradual reopening phase. The Advisory Team will seek feedback from them and assist in their understanding of the guidelines as the businesses transition through this uncertain period.

The ReOpen Westport Advisory Team will seek input from local business and community leaders in the following areas (more may be added):

Real Estate

Retailers

Medical Offices

Restaurants/Bars/Delis

Salons/Spas

Offices

Banks

Fitness Facilities

Houses of Worship

Day Camps

Day Care/Pre-school

Grocers/Liquor Stores

Dry Cleaners

Dealerships/Automotive Repair Shops

Mr. Marpe stated, “My administration has always prioritized being accessible and supportive to our local businesses. With Second Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker as Chair of this Advisory Team, we will continue to bring that same philosophy to these unprecedented challenges ahead. This team of operational experts will be in communication with our local business owners in an effort to guide them through issues that will undoubtedly arise in the coming months.”

The ReOpen Westport Advisory Team’s initial public meeting/work session will be held on Wednesday, May 6 at 11 am. Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order No. 7B, there is no physical location for this meeting. It will be held electronically, live streamed on www.westportct.gov, and broadcast on Westport’s Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020. The public is invited to view the meeting but will not be able to participate.

An exclusive email has been established for the Advisory Team. General comments and questions may be submitted at any time to reopenteam@westportct.gov.

Please continue to stay connected by signing up or following us at:

- Online: www.westportct.gov/COVID19

- Get Updates: Signup for emergency alerts

- Get Updates: Sign up for email subscriptions

- Social Media: #Westportctcovid19info

For information on town services and facilities status reopening plans: www.westportct/reopen