Westport Coronavirus Update: Officials Discuss Latest Numbers

WESTPORT, CT — With news that Westport has had 13 coronavirus-related deaths in the month of April, First Selectman Jim Marpe and Westport Weston Health District Director Mark Cooper said on Tuesday that there are positive aspects to the current situation.

Westport has 233 confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, but while that number has grow in recent weeks, the town's social distancing efforts have helped keep it from exploding.

"According to Mr. Cooper, there have been questions about the number of deaths in our communities and whether or not we are seeing 'spikes' in reported cases and deaths," Marpe said. "While all data is preliminary, the number of cases and associated deaths have increased and the number of hospitalizations has gone down. As the State’s report indicated in yesterday’s daily update, day to day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that were administered during previous days and up to a week prior. It is important to note that reported deaths can lag behind by up to 10 days due to issues with data collection, especially in the early days of the pandemic. Numbers are subject to change. Associated death numbers may go up or down, as medical providers and epidemiologists continue to refine case definitions and audit autopsy reports."

Statewide, there was a net drop of 26 hospitalizations on Tuesday, but 77 more deaths and 315 new positive cases, according to state health officials. Hospitalizations stood at 1,732; deaths at 2,089; and confirmed cases at 26,312. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

Marpe said that there is some good news among the grim state numbers.

"Early efforts to flatten the curve and protect our communities by social distancing are having a positive impact," Marpe said. "According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Westport and Weston’s case rates (829 and 615, respectively per 100,000) are lower than in a number of our neighboring communities. This is good news. We should continue to follow national and state directives. Stay safe and stay at home whenever possible. Avoid social gatherings. Maintain at least six feet of separation from others and wear a mask or cloth face covering when out in public."

Locally and statewide, testing efforts are shifting toward rapid testing procedures, though overall Connecticut and other states have struggled to achieve widespread testing, Marpe said.

"Mr. Cooper has also assured public officials that the WWHD is actively seeking rapid result saliva test kits to check for COVID-19, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) authorized for emergency use in diagnosing COVID-19 earlier this month," Marpe said. "These tests provide for an easier, less invasive method to check infection status. This saliva-based collection method may replace nasal swabs, the tests can be repeated multiple times, and they are safer for health care providers because of reduced risk of exposure. Turn-around time for results is much faster as well, sometimes as quickly as 24 hours. The Health District is working in partnership with the State Department of Public Health and area providers to obtain a number of rapid result diagnostic test kits and will work with town officials to communicate any plans for local rapid result saliva testing.

"Like most states across the country, Connecticut has struggled to increase its testing capacity. This rapid result testing may be key to ramping up the testing that will prove critical as the community formulates a safe response plan to gradually reopen businesses and schools. While the Health District looks to transition to the new rapid result saliva test process, there are currently a number of sites where concerned citizens who fit the criteria for testing can be tested."

This is from Marpe's Tuesday announcement:

A complete list of the testing sites and contact information is available on the Health District’s website www.wwhd.org.

Instructions on how to wear a cloth face mask:

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

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

First Selectman Jim Marpe added, “We appreciate your continued patience and persistence as we all work together to assess, manage and combat the coronavirus. In cooperation with surrounding communities and under the direction of state and local health officials, and state government directives, our town departments are working on an effective re-opening strategy that will not reverse or diminish the progress made so far. As we continue to work though this crisis, please be sure to look after your families and friends as well as yourself. Together we will get through this, and remember you’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home.”

To follow or check updates:

• Online: www.westportct.gov/COVID19
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• Social Media: #Westportctcovid19info