1st Selcctman Jim Marpe says:
The Centers for Disease Control has published public health recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals. Included in the guidance is that fully vaccinated individuals may forgo the use of a mask when outdoors, or in the company of other fully vaccinated individuals. Among other provisions, the use of a mask, and social distancing is still required when in a crowded outdoor setting indoors with others who are not vaccinated. The full guidance can be found here.
Per Governor Lamont, effective tomorrow (May 1), all restaurants will be allowed to remain open until midnight. Beverage-only service outdoors is permitted, and the 8-person limit on outdoor dining will be lifted.
As of May 1, vehicle parking emblems will be required on all vehicles to enter Compo, Soundview and Old Mill beach parking lots, and May 29 for Burying Hill Beach. All vehicle parking emblem purchases must be made online at www.westportrecreation.com. Daily parking for non-residents will be allowed this summer at Compo Beach and Burying Hill Beach. Visit www.westportrecreation.com for daily parking rates.
Compo Beach will be more crowded soon. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Effective Wednesday, May 19, all remaining state gathering restrictions will be lifted, except that masks will continue to be required in all indoor public settings where social distancing is not possible. We encourage those who are fully vaccinated to follow the CDC guidance for mask wearing and social distancing in crowded outdoor settings.
Plans continue for holding the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 31. Organizers will ask parade participants and observers to create a socially distanced and safe parade by taking into consideration the current conditions and advice from the CDC. We look forward to this wonderful Westport tradition that honors veterans and service members. We encourage all who attend to wear a mask in crowded areas and to social distance.
We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible. For the latest updates on COVID-19, visit the Westport Weston Health District website.
PURA Final Decision
On Wednesday, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority released its final decision on its investigation into electric distribution companies’ preparation for, and response to, Tropical Storm Isaias. PURA concluded that:
Eversource did not satisfy the performance standards for managing its municipal liaison program, executing its Make Safe responsibilities, communicating critical information to its customers, or meeting its obligation to secure adequate resources in a timely manner.
As a result, PURA will consider fines and penalties against Eversource, and will require a reduction in ratemaking return on equity for Eversource.
I provided lengthy testimony related to PURA’s investigation on behalf of the many residents who reached out to Town Hall for support and assistance after Isaias. I am pleased that PURA heard the evidence, and is taking significant action to ensure customers receive better service from utility providers during emergency situations. For more information on the Town of Westport’s response and follow up on Storm Isaias, click here.
Thank you Dan for your work in representing all of our interests, I know it is a time consuming task and we really appreciate you and the effort.