Maintaining Social Distancing/COVID-19 Updates & Information

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Although we are hearing that the “curve” may be flattening in Westport and Weston, there are still new cases being recorded with each new day.  The spread of the virus is SLOWING but has not stopped.  Therefore, it is important to continue social distancing and diligently practicing those things that have shown to be effective in preventing the virus from spreading.

Summary for most recent day of reporting in Connecticut

Category Text Total  Change Direction  Change
Laboratory Confirmed COVID-19 Cases 13,381                        + 1,346
COVID-19 Associated Deaths      602                        +      48
Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19   1,760                        +    106
Patients Tested for COVID-19 44,309                        + 3,109

 

Charts represent the date the data were reported to the CT DPH.  Cases and deaths are cumulative over time.  Hospitalization data are collected by CT Hospital Association

Source: Department of Public Health Created with Datawrapper

 

                                                                                                              Total Reported

                        Local Results                                                               To Date            Change

Westport Residents COVID19 Positive Reported to the State               174                  +  0

Weston Residents COVID19 Positive Reported to the State                   40                  +  1

 

A complete listing by town and county of all COVID19 cases being reported by the Connecticut State Department of Health, and various analysis of those cases, can be found by following this link:

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/CTDPHCOVID19summary4132020.pdf?la=enThe

 

How the Virus is Spread

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
  • Maintaining good social distance (about 6 feet) is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus. CDC recommends people practice frequent “hand hygiene,” which is either washing hands with soap or water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. CDC also recommends routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means it goes from person-to-person without stopping.

  • The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people.
  • Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected. People who are infected often have symptoms of illness. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.

 

Norwalk/Danbury Hospital System Seeks COVID-19 Plasma Donation

If you had COVID-19 and have recovered, you may be able to help save a life. Your blood may contain antibodies that fight the virus and can help critically ill people.

Nuvance Health is looking to screen you as a volunteer. If you are willing to participate, please follow this link to see if you are eligible:

https://veoci.com/veoci/p/form/d9keubfc4gca#tab=entryForm

Travelers: Per State recommendations, any person coming into Connecticut by any mode of transportation for any reason is strongly urged to self-quarantine for 14 days.

The medical and public health communities are waiting the arrival of the newly approved rapid COVID19 tests that provide results in minutes, not days. Therefore, the next, and likely final round of community testing for Westport and Weston Residents coordinated by the Health District but conducted by Murphy Medical, will be at the Bedford Middle School, 88 North Avenue:

  • Tuesday,   April  14,  2020      8:30AM – 12:00PM      Still Scheduled to proceed as planned

Residents must register and book an appointment at to be tested: https://coronatestct.com

There are other testing sites. If you have had contact with a confirmed COVID19 positive individual and have symptoms, please feel free to arrange testing at one of these other sites that can be found using this link:   http://wwhd.org/coivd-19-testing-sites/