It’s been nearly 5 years since COVID slammed into Westport.
And the world.
This week half a decade ago, we had moved from obliviousness about “the coronavirus” to concern.
A few days later, we were fearful. Then came the lockdown, and a tsunami of emotions all the way up to panic.
At the same time, we had all the time in the world to process it.
We weren’t going anywhere. And neither was anyone else.
The final 3 months of the school year were conducted online, haltingly and not very happily. Staples High School’s graduation was a drive-by affair.
A parade of cars passed in front of Staples’ main entrance, during the drive-by graduation ceremony. (Drone photo/Ryan Felner)
Six-foot social distancing signs appeared everywhere: Trader Joe’s, Stop & Shop, CVS, banks. We washed our hands obsessively, humming 2 stanzas of “Happy Birthday to You.”
Restaurants pivoted to takeout only. Gyms closed. Even doctors cut back on seeing patients.
Amid all the misery, there were unexpected upsides.
Neighbors gathered at the ends of driveways (socially distanced, of course) for drinks and conversation.
Westporters discovered Sherwood Island State Park, for strolling and solace.
Kids painted encouraging messages on rocks, created helpful apps, and helped senior citizens. Families bonded over board games. A “yarn bomber” decorated trees. The Remarkable Theater drive-in popped up (all cars socially distanced, of course).
The yarn bomber strikes at Compo Beach, near the Soundview Drive parking lot.
“06880” started a “COVID Roundup.” It evolved into today’s daily, all-inclusive (and non-COVID) Roundup. We started the online art gallery that first week of the pandemic too.
Some of that seems like it happened 5 centuries ago. Some of it seems like yesterday.
Now — half a decade later — “06880” wants to know: How has COVID changed you, and your life in Westport?
If you lived here a long time, has there been a lasting impact on your relationship to this town? If you were one of the “COVID people” who moved here because of the pandemic, how has that worked out?
What are the permanent changes we’ve seen, now that the virus has receded? What were some that did not last, but maybe should have?
Please email your experiences and insights (and photos, if you’ve got any) to 06880blog@gmail.com. We’ll post them soon.
In the meantime: Stay safe.
But enjoy the world, and Westport, every day.
You never know what lurks around the corner.
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