WESTPORT — With growing signs that transmission of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has plateaued, and begun to wane, Supt. of Schools Thomas Scarice says several local school district restrictions imposed several weeks ago are being lifted.

“Given the steadily decreasing infection rates, we will continue to relax additional measures,” Scarice said in an emailed statement Saturday.

Data reported by the school district underscores that point.

A total of 72 people (students and staff) tested positive with the virus for the week ending last Friday, according to the schools’ COVID-19 dashboard, while 182 cases were recorded the previous week.

Statewide, the COVID positivity rate and hospitalizations also continue to decline.

As of Friday, the state’s daily positivity rate was 13.69 percent, according to data released by Gov. Ned Lamont. Several weeks ago, that figure stood at nearly 25 percent.

The slowing spread of Omicron prompted Westport school officials last week to end the requirement for students to wear masks during outdoor recess, and all of the school district’s before- and afterschool programs resumed.

In the latest round of eased restrictions, Scarice said Saturday that as of Jan. 31:

• Visitors will be allowed back in school buildings, but with the continuing requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test administered 72 hours prior to the visit.

• The vaccination and negative COVID test requirements for employees will be revisited at the state level, which Scarice said will guide Westport’s policies.

• Desk shields will be removed at Staples High School “immediately,” and at the elementary and middle schools at the end of this week.

• Lunch in all schools will return to pre-Omicron practices.

• PPTs will return to “in person,” with the option for virtual sessions, beginning Jan. 31.