State Rolls Back To COVID Phase 2.1

First Selectman Jim Marpe says:

Due to increasing rates of COVID-19 in Connecticut, the state will roll back from Phase 3 to Phase 2.1 effective tomorrow (Friday, November 6).

Phase 2.1 is a slightly modified version of the previously enacted Phase 2 rules. Changes under Phase 2.1 include:

• Restaurants will return to or remain at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 8 people per table
• Restaurants and entertainment venues will be required to close by 9:30 p.m. except for food takeout and delivery services, which may continue after 9:30 p.m.
• Personal services, such as hair salons and barber shops, will remain at 75 percent capacity
• Event venues will be limited to 25 people indoor, 50 people outdoor
• Performing arts venues and movie theaters will have a capacity of 100 people
• Religious gatherings will be limited to 50 percent capacity or 100 people maximun
• Residents are urged to remain indoors between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless for essential activities.

Westport businesses will remain open. I encourage those who can to continue patronizing local restaurants and businesses.

Since the beginning of this pandemic, Westport has promoted local and small businesses. A great idea for eating out and staying safe — BYOB (“Bring Your Own Blanket”) comes from the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

The Westport Weston Health District says that a significant portion of Westport’s COVID cases are related to youth travel sports. These programs are regional, span several states and fall outside of local authority. Updated state Department of Public Health guidance for youth and interscholastic sports is forthcoming.

Town officials are also aware that some very large gatherings of both young people and adults occurred over Halloween weekend. We continue to stress that everyone be sensitive to neighbors, and aware of the risks imposed on those with pre-existing conditions and the elderly.