Mask Mandate Reinstated In All Town Buildings In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced Thursday the town is re-issuing its mask mandate in all town-owned buildings as coronavirus cases continue to rise in Westport.

In a statement, Tooker said the town's COVID-19 Emergency Management Team is tracking and assessing COVID-19 transmission rates in Westport and across the state and country, specifically as they relate to the Delta and Omicron variants. She is also consulting with health officials and municipal leaders.

Beginning Dec. 27, all vaccinated or non-vaccinated individuals will be required to wear a mask inside town-owned buildings. These include Town Hall, the Center for Senior Activities and the Westport Library.

The following information was also provided by the town Thursday:

Schedule change for the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA) – Week of Dec. 27

WCSA Director Sue Pfister has announced that there will no indoor programming or congregate lunches the week of Dec. 27. Classes will be held via Zoom and the congregate lunch program will take place as a drive through at noon on Dec. 27, 28 and 29.

WCSA is closed Dec. 30 and 31. The staff of the WCSA looks forward to seeing everyone when in-house programs resume on Jan. 3.

Testing Center operations anticipated on or about Jan. 1

In cooperation and in agreement with town officials, Progressive Diagnostics anticipates opening a COVID-19 testing center at Greens Farms Railroad Station around Jan. 1. Once arrangements are finalized, details will be provided in subsequent releases and notifications to town residents.

Health officials state that prevention is critical and all who are able and eligible are urged to get fully vaccinated and get a booster as soon as possible, Tooker said. Getting fully vaccinated, including receiving a booster shot, wearing a mask indoors in any public setting and maintaining social distancing, remain the most reliable ways of limiting exposure and transmission, Tooker said.

"Further," Tooker said, "even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, COVID-19 testing is encouraged to determine if you have the virus and, thus, can take necessary precautions to avoid the spread to loved ones, family, friends and those who are vulnerable. "

Tooker also noted that although the Omicron variant is highly contagious and transmissible, those who are vaccinated and boosted are experiencing less severe symptoms if they test positive for the virus.

According to Westport Weston Health Director Mark Cooper, the number of cases of the virus has increased rapidly across the northeast.

"Of the new cases reported in Westport," Cooper said in a statement, "37 percent are in fully vaccinated individuals, the fully vaccinated who have received the booster inoculation make up about 2.6 percent of the new cases. The booster adds protection. Checking the WWHD website regularly is advisable as it is constantly updating available booster clinics."

"Please remain cautious and safe, especially during this upcoming holiday season," Tooker said. "If you are not already fully vaccinated, please get a booster. Continue to be proactive, wear a mask indoors in congregant settings and get tested. With everyone's cooperation, we can look forward to having a happy and healthy holiday season and new year in Westport."

Additional information on the virus, testing and boosters is available on the WWHD website or the state portal.