Westport Community Schools to Remain Open Despite Rising Positive COVID-19 Cases in Town

WESTPORT — Interim Superintendent Thomas F. Aubin reports that the Westport Community Schools will remain open despite rising COVID-19 cases in the Town of Westport.

On Thursday, Nov. 12, the Town of Westport posted a message on its homepage stating that effective Monday, Nov. 16, all Town buildings will be closed to the public except by appointment only. This is due to positive COVID-19 cases increasing in town over the past several weeks.

This order does not include the Westport Community Schools. Infection rates within the school district remain low, and schools will remain open under the district’s current learning models.

“We remain confident that our current learning models are in the best interest of our school community, including staff, students and their families,” Interim Superintendent Aubin said. “Our infection rates remain significantly lower than those in the community at large. That being said, we still urge all members of the district to follow best practices in stopping the spread of the virus.”

General COVID-19 Safety

The Westport Community Schools reminds residents to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19, and shares the following prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH):

• Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor public spaces, even where social distancing from others is possible. This does not apply to those under the age of two and with underlying health conditions.
• Face coverings should:
  • Cover the nose and mouth
  • Fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face
  • Be secured with either ties or ear loops
  • Permit breathing without difficulty
  • Be able to be washed and machine dried without damage. Face masks should be washed regularly depending on the amount of use.
• Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing — maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from others — is critical.
• Those who must go out are urged to:
  • Avoid gathering in groups
  • Maintain 6 feet from people outside your household
  • Do not shake hands or hug
  • Wash your hands often
• Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands.

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