Six years ago this week, COVID slammed into Westport.
Those were dizzying days. On Sunday, March 7, 2020 town officials held a meeting at the Westport Library, about the looming crisis.
The in-person crowd was small — and nervous. Hundreds more watched via livestream. For many, it was the first experience with a “virtual” meeting.
Three days later, on March 10, the situation had rapidly escalated. Officials held a press briefing — outside, in front of Town Hall.
“06880” covered those events — and everything else associated with “the coronavirus” — in depth.
Today, we present 2 of those stories. The first is a report on that Sunday meeting at the Library. The second is about that Town Hall meeting.
What do you remember about those first day, in Westport? Click “Comments” below.
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Town’s COVID-19 Forum: Many Questions. Lots Of Answers. Much Unknown.
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. (All photos/Dan Woog)
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.”
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COVID-19 UPDATE: Town Officials Offer Latest Information On Schools, Services, Safety And More
The weather outside Town Hall was springlike and beautiful.
The faces on the officials arrayed on the front steps were grim.
First selectman Jim Marpe, Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper, Westport Public Schools director of administration John Bayers and others outlined today’s rapid developments regarding COVID-19.
Flanked by town officials, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe announces the latest COVID-19 news. From left: Fire Chief and town emergency management head Robert Yost; Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper; Police Chief Foti Koskinas; Westport Public Schools director of administration John Bayers; 2nd Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and 3rd Selectwoman Melissa Kane.
Last Thursday (March 5), approximately 40 people attended a private party in Westport.
One attendee — a man from an unnamed other nation — was there. He’d been in the US, and was headed home. He did not feel ill.
When he returned to his home country, he developed flu-like symptoms. WWHD officials received verbal notification today that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Of the 40 or so attendees at the party, approximately 14 have since reported flu-like symptoms. “We’re making the assumption it’s COVID-19,” Cooper said. The Health District is compiling a list of all attendees, and assessing their conditions.
“It’s likely many people were exposed,” Cooper said. “And others will be.”
Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper.
The party included school-age children. When education officials learned the news, shortly before noon, they made the decision to close all Westport public schools.
Schools will be closed — along with all related activities — for an undetermined period of time. Meanwhile, deep cleaning of all buildings will begin.
“The schools have been working closely for several weeks with the Health District,” Bayers noted. “Our plans were accelerated today.”
His office will communicate information about next steps for students tonight and tomorrow. More updates will follow, in the days ahead.
Westport Public Schools director of administration John Bayers.
Also closed: Town Hall.
Marpe announced it will be shut tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday. Officials will spend time determining how best to offer essential services to the public, while maintenance staff performs deep cleaning.
All municipal meetings are canceled for “the foreseeable future,” Marpe said. The first casualties: Thursday’s Planning & Zoning and Board of Finance sessions.
Human Services Department head Elaine Daignault noted that — as announced earlier today — the Senior Center is closed. The Toquet Hall teen center is similarly shut.
Senior Center director Sue Pfister (far right) listens to the press conference.
Daignault reiterated that staff will assist anyone, such as seniors and people with financial need, despite the closures. Meals to homebound residents will continue to be delivered. For questions or more information, call 203-341-1050.
“We’ll maintain essential services,” she said, urging Westporters to be “good neighbors” to those in need.
Westport Library director Bill Harmer said that his facility will be closed tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday for deep cleaning. Meanwhile, the staff will devise plans moving forward.
The library will reopen Monday for “essential services” only: book checkouts, and reference questions. Harmer encouraged residents to use the library’s extensive digital resources.
Print and television reporters kept their distance from each other, at the press conference on the steps of Town Hall. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The Parks & Recreation Department is limiting the use of fields. The goal is to “avoid gatherings,” Marpe said.
Marpe called the COVID-19 crisis “a constantly evolving situation,” then asked for questions.
In response to one about the availability of test kits, Cooper said that the Health District has been told, “they’re coming.”
Marpe has spoken with Governor Ned Lamont about the issue.
“He’s as frustrated as we are that the kits are not available yet,” the first selectman said. “He’s using every technique possible to get them.”
Marpe reiterated the basic health advice — “wash your hands!” — and noted the importance of avoiding large gatherings.
Private institutions must decide for themselves which events to cancel. “We recognize these are tough decisions,” he said.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Thank god I never took that dangerous vaccine. Dodged a bullet and still feel great six years later.
If this is satire, let me tell you it doesn’t work online. If not, then let me say I hate it when trolls like you hijack the otherwise rational and useful 06880 comment section with such anti-science, anti-social, anti-vax nonsense.
It says “Chaos Insurgency.”
Scott, my comment was simply sharing my own personal experience: I’m genuinely happy I never got the vaccine, and that’s based on how I felt about the whole situation at the time and since. I never took what were essentially experimental gene therapies rushed through without long-term data. That’s just how I see it, and I’m doing fine without it. No need for labels; live and let live.
And thank whomever that hundreds of millions of people world-wide took the vaccines (with no negative side-effects) so that the pandemic was contained as well as it was and even more deaths were avoided. Still waiting for a vaccine for idiocy.
Your data is wrong on the key point: it’s simply not true that “hundreds of millions of people world-wide took the vaccines with no negative side-effects.” Official sources (CDC, FDA, VAERS, peer-reviewed studies) confirm recognized adverse events, including myocarditis/pericarditis and others, even if rare in the grand scheme. Millions of reports exist, and many people have shared real, documented issues. Not zero side effects across hundreds of millions.
I’m glad you feel the vaccines helped contain things and you’re doing well, but my comment was just personal. Skipping them has left me healthy with zero regrets six years later.
No need for the “vaccine for idiocy” dig, differences in experience and perspective don’t make anyone idiotic. We all navigated the same mess differently.
Glad to hear you’re doing well. All medications have side effects. I’ll bet you take medications despite their risks because the benefits outweigh the risks. I’d also bet you’re vaccinated against other preventable problems. The Covid vaccine doesn’t prevent transmission, that’s what the masks are for. What the covid vaccine does do is reduce the severity of the exposure. You’ve lucked out so far..
1 million Americans died from Covid. Deaths from the vaccine are extremely rare.
Your info is off on a couple points: the COVID vaccines were heavily promoted early on as preventing transmission (not just reducing severity), and that claim shifted only after data showed breakthrough infections were common. Also, vaccine-related deaths aren’t “extremely rare” VAERS has tens of thousands of reported deaths post-vax (even accounting for under/over-reporting debates), and excess mortality patterns in studies raise real questions beyond the official line.
That said, you’re right that meds and vaccines all carry risks, but I don’t actually take any conventional medications for anything; never have. I rely on homeopathic treatments, herbs, acupuncture, and natural approaches to stay healthy, and they’ve worked great for me. For the COVID shots specifically, my risk-benefit assessment was straightforward: low personal risk from the virus + emerging safety concerns = no thanks. Six years later, I’m strong, healthy, and have zero regrets, no “lucking out,” just a choice aligned with how I live.
Actually, only 9 deaths were attributed to the vaccine after 672 vaccinations. You are unprotected. I hope you continue to be lucky.
VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) is a passive surveillance system that allows anyone to report health events that occur after vaccination, but these reports do NOT establish that a vaccine caused the event.
Key VAERS Statistics and Findings
Reported Deaths: As of March 1, 2023, VAERS received 19,476 preliminary reports of death (0.0029%) following more than 672 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in the U.S..
Causality Review: CDC and FDA clinicians review all death reports, including death certificates and autopsies. Their monitoring identified only nine deaths causally associated with the J&J/Janssen vaccine (related to a rare blood clotting condition).
Mortality Trends: Studies show that reporting rates for death events after vaccination are lower than the expected background mortality rates in the general population
Make that, 672 million vaccinations.
Took the vaccine(s) with no negative side effects whatsoever. Thankful for science!
Don’t worry “Mr Chaos” only has 2 subscribers …
Slow day in real estate sales, eh?
Elizabeth, Do you know who this guy is?
Is this the Ryan Hermeyer who said I’d spit in the face of returning veterans? Who is this guy and how many decades has he lived in Westport? He seems nasty!
Jack,
I lived in Westport nearly a decade on Evergreen, raising my family before moving to Idaho for actual freedom, open space, nature, and escape from the Northeast’s suffocating politics and conformity machine. We’re thriving. You’re still here, hours deep, obsessing over my name, scraping for dirt with “any relation to Marvin?” That’s not an argument. That’s desperation. You’ve got me living rent-free in your head, and you keep coming back for more like it’s your job.
You accused me of saying I’d spit on returning veterans’ faces. Flat wrong. What I said was your attitude reminds me of the Vietnam protesters who spat on vets: hostile, quick to attack, eager to dehumanize and silence anyone who steps outside the approved script. That’s you right now. Gatekeeping residency credentials, hurling baseless jabs, name-calling (“nasty”), fishing for unrelated guilt-by-name, and refusing to touch a single substantive point about my vaccine choice. Not one coherent rebuttal. Not one engagement with risk-benefit data for a young healthy person. Just personal smears and innuendo. Pathetic.
And the cherry on top? You probably champion “my body, my choice” on every other issue under the sun, yet the second someone exercises it on a medical decision you don’t like, it’s “nasty” and worthy of attack. The hypocrisy is glaring.
This petty, insular, small-minded gatekeeping, policing who belongs, attacking character instead of ideas, shutting down dialogue is exactly why people like me left. You don’t build community. You shrink it. You chase away anyone who thinks differently, then wonder why the place feels echo-chamber empty.
I’ve said my piece: I’m grateful every single day I never took the vaccine. Healthy, regret-free, living free. If you had anything real to say about that, you’d have said it by now. Instead, you’re reduced to weak gotchas and name-drops. So go ahead, hit reply again if you must. Prove me right one more time. But we both know you’ve got nothing left.
To Steve:
Thanks for sharing your firsthand experience as a physician.
My comment was always personal as a Gen X, healthy person with low baseline COVID risk, I made a deliberate choice to skip the shots based on the data I reviewed. Six years later, I’m healthy, regret-free, and have relied on natural approaches (herbs, acupuncture, homeopathics, no conventional meds).
To clarify a few points:
Red vs. blue state death rates show raw differences, but studies adjusting for age, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and other comorbidities often find the gap narrows or disappears, much of the variation ties to demographics and underlying health rather than politics, masking, or vaccination rates alone.
For young, healthy individuals: absolute benefits were limited due to already very low severe outcome risk, meaning high numbers needed to vaccinate to prevent one hospitalization (often thousands for boosters in this group per various estimates). Transmission reduction was partial and short-lived, especially post-Omicron.
Myocarditis from the vaccine is rare but acknowledged (higher in young males post-second dose per CDC/FDA), while infection-related myocarditis risk is generally higher in meta-analyses. Long COVID, neurological issues, fatigue, and other post-infection effects are real and serious (no argument there but my personal profile favored skipping.
To your question: In a true high-lethality scenario (e.g., 50% death rate in vulnerable settings like early nursing homes), yes, I’d reassess masking and vaccination based on solid data. Here, for healthy young adults, the stakes weren’t comparable.
I appreciate you noting my decision was for me, with no blame assigned. My 5 comments are up I said my piece.
Ryan, Thanks for clarifying that only my attitude reminded you of someone who would spit on veterans. There’s only one problem, I’m a Vietnam era veteran! Anyway, I’m sure you’re missed in Westport!
Heemeyer.. spelled it wrong. Who is this guy? Anyone know him?
Hello Mr Heemayer-
You are a N=1 population example that lucked out. But your experience does not correlate to a large populations experience.
Red states that did not mask or get vaccinated had twice the death rate as Blue states where masking up and getting vaccinated was much more common. Large numbers are more important than one person’s experience.
Side effects of the mRNA covid vaccine were rare. You mention myocarditis and the vaccine- very rare. But myocarditis was a common aftermath of Covid infection. You fail to mention long covid, neurological mental problems, log term fatigue, hematologic abnormalities affecting many who survived infections.
So you can claim you did fine for you. But as a physician watching hospitals overloaded with patients struggling to breathe and refrigeration trucks holding the bodies of people who died before the vaccine was available or later the bodies of those who chose not to get vaccinated is the reality of my world.
Your decision was for you. You are not responsible for the many thousands of Americans who died unnecessarily- because they chose not to mask or get vaccinated.
Final question for you- if the death rate of a new Novel virus was 50% would you mask or choose to take the mRNA vaccine that would keep you from dying? For some old age homes the death rate approached 50%.
Thankfully Mr Marpe was making these decisions for Westport based on the best available information!!
Is Ryan Heemeyer any relation to Marvin? If so, that might explain things a bit.