A small, well-spaced-apart crowd was joined by many more online participants this afternoon. They gathered, in real space and cyberspace, to hear from experts about the looming threat from COVID-19.
The Westport Library event — called “a forum in the Forum” by 1st Selectman Jim Marpe — provided plenty of detailed information. Presentations were clear and cogent; questions were wide-ranging and thoughtful; answers were direct and honest.
It was a powerful display of active, coordinated town leadership on many levels, and a reminder that good government has a powerful place in society.
1st Selectman Jim Marpe (far right), and today’s COVID-19 panel at the Westport Library.
The key takeaways, from Marpe, Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper, fire chief and director of emergency management Robert Yost, Westport Public Schools health services supervisor Suzanne Levasseur and others:
It is virtually inevitable that COVID-19 will come to Westport. It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when.” Our population is too mobile, and the virus is too relentless. In fact, it may already be here.
Town officials — including the 1st Selectman, Health District and public schools — are in constant contact with the state and CDC. Conversations are frequent, ongoing and productive.
There are dozens of “what-ifs.” No one knows how many people will be affected or how. Planning is taking place to cover many scenarios.
The best precautions include rigorous hand-washing, frequent cleaning of surfaces, and careful monitoring of surroundings and contacts. Plus, self-monitoring. And save face masks for health care providers and people who are already sick.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (left), who co-chairs the Legislature’s Public Health Committee, and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe demonstrate the best way to say hello, COVID-19-style.
If you feel ill but have not traveled to somewhere affected, are not in a high-risk category, or had contact with someone who is ill, contact your health care provider.
If, however, you have traveled to a high-risk area, or are in a high-risk category (elderly or immuno-compromised), contact the WWHD (www.wwhd.org; 203-227-9571).
The Westport Schools are being very proactive. This includes enhanced cleaning; education about the disease and proper hygiene procedures. and monitoring of student health. Nurses are on heightened awareness; there are signs, videos and plenty of soap and sanitizers in every school. Discussions are “ongoing” about things like field trips.
Here are some of the key questions from audience members and online participants — and the answers:
Should people over 60 be particularly worried? Those in this higher-risk group should follow CDC guidelines to limit exposure — particularly people with underlying health issues.
Where is testing being done? Right now, only in hospitals.
The in-person audience was small. But many more residents viewed the forum on the Westport Library’s streaming feed and Facebook page.
How is the Senior Center handling this? Director Sue Pfister said that, thanks to the day and night custodians, “it’s never been cleaner.” There are wipes and signs throughout the building, with an information table out front. “We are operating as normally as possible,” she said. “We are monitoring and educating, without panicking.” Clients are self-monitoring too, and not coming in if they don’t feel well. The staff is making contingency plans for meals for people who depend on the Center, in the event of closure.
Can we trust the CDC? Cooper said the organization is filled with excellent scientists, who are coordinating with colleagues around the world.
Who decides if schools will close? The superintendent — though Governor Lamont could make an emergency declaration. The cause could be infected students or staff, or as a preventive measure to avoid further spread. Daycare centers are also making contingency plans. Marpe noted that because many teachers — and other town employees — live elsewhere, decisions on closing are “complex.” For that reason, they may be made on a regional or statewide basis, rather than town by town.
What about budget implications? Marpe said he and the town’s legal staff are examining the implications of not being able to meet publicly for discussions — though public meetings are mandated for things like budget decisions.
What about Metro-North? They have enhanced their cleaning procedures — and have seen a drop in ridership. The most at-risk riders should think about using alternative travel methods.
What about restaurants? Owners should check the CDC for checklists. Clorox solutions are the best way to clean. The WWHD will send owners detailed information, if the risk increases.
What about gyms, fitness centers and the Y? They are no more (or less) at risk than other gathering places. Most places seem to be wiping their equipment well; users can do the same. “Social distancing” is important, as is good hygiene. There is no evidence that the virus is spread by sweat; it is spread through coughing, sneezing, and on surfaces.
What about Westport business with many employees who live elsewhere? Some are encouraging them to work from home. Bridgewater, for example, has taken the virus “extremely seriously.” They are in contact with the WWHD, and have limited travel by their employees.
Do Westport’s first responders have enough equipment? Yost says we have been very proactive. And if the situation goes on for a very long period of time? “Probably.”
Westport’s Emergency Medical Services staff were out in force at today’s COVID-19 forum.
Anything else we should know? Our emergency responders and the Health District are watching everything carefully — and everything else too. “We could have severe weather tomorrow that takes out power to everyone,” one panelist said. “We’re preparing for that too.”
In conclusion: Every action has a reaction. We don’t know what the reaction to all this will be, but town officials are planning assiduously and relentlessly. As for the tipping point of this pandemic: “We don’t know when it will come. But we do know it won’t disappear. We’ll keep watching, offering information, and making recommendations.”
The best sources of information:
- www.wwhd.org (Health District phone: 203-227-9571)
- www.westportct.gov/residents/emergency-information-alerts/covid-19
- https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus
- Infoline: call 211
- To sign up for emergency notifications from town officials: Text 888777, then enter “06880.”
Thank you to everyone that participated and to Dan for the summary and info. Appreciated!
I watched the forum via livestream. It was well organized and thorough in its breadth of topics and questions covered, and included all relevant and appropriate leaders/organizations. I was incredibly impressed by our Town for putting this together and per usual, grateful to be a Westporter today. I am comforted knowing our community is ready with plans for a wide variety of circumstances. Thank you to all who organized and presented.
Virtual elbow bumps to all,
Lisa Newman
RTM D8
I’m one of those Younger Fellows ( 67 ) who has a compromised autoimmune system , due to advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis .. I’ve been using antibacterial soap in automatic soap dispensers , for many years now .. Sense the virus hit I’ve been only going to local stores for food , medication etc .. I’ve started wearing latex gloves and carry hand sanitizer packets in my pockets now .. I was one of the fortunate ones who’s had hand sanitizer packets , antibacterial soap , on hand now for quite a while due to my R/A .. This Virus is Scary for those who have a compromised autoimmune system … Follow the guide lines folks …….
Is this bad of me?
Halfway through watching the excellent forum online I thought “I should have been writing down the contact info” followed immediately by the realization “Oh, it’s ok — Dan Woog will do a summary for us.”
I know I shouldn’t rely on you Dan – but I do!
This is a perfect time to thank you for all you do for us as a town and as individuals. I don’t know what we’d do without you.
~ India van Voorhees (formerly known as India Penney)
Thanks, India. I’m happy to do my small (pun intended) part. We are all in this together!
Protecting the elderly and those with health issues is the #1 priority. The rest of us might not ever get symptoms but still carry it. When I visit my mom’s I plan to wash hands thoroughly before touching any food or anything my mom touches…or my mom. Also, just keep your distance unless you actually need to help with something. And, if you even the slightest touch of sniffles or cough – don’t go!
One other suggestion: masks may be hard to come by, but disposable exam gloves are pretty easy to find. A good way to be safer when cooking or doing housework for someone who’s old or immuno-compromised. Just make sure to put them on without touching the outside (or wash them thoroughly if you do)
Regarding restaurants/food establishments… I believe there is a health department regulation stating that anyone sick should not return to work until at least 72 hours after recovery. I truly hope that all food establishments are not allowing any sick workers or potentially exposed workers to work. Personally, I have been observing staff (and other patrons) when entering any place but some times you can’t see everything (kitchen not in plain view) and don’t know who worked a prior shift or was in the establishment prior to you.