WESTPORT — With a general resurgence of COVID cases over the last several weeks, and growing concerns about the new Omicron variant of the virus, First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker on Friday issued a local update.

Tooker, in the statement, stressed that the town’s COVID-19 Emergency Management Team “continues to monitor and assess the trends and transmission rates in Westport, neighboring municipalities, the State of Connecticut and beyond.”

Officials, she said, are “aware of the potential of strains of the virus, such as Delta, as well as tracking the new variant known as Omicron, and the impact they may have on the community at large.”

Westport one of few “orange” zone communities

Westport, as of Friday, remains in the “orange,” or middle, category for COVID transmission, according to the state Department of Public Health. That translates to between 10 to 14 cases per 100,000 people.

More specifically, according to state data, as of Thursday, the Westport transmission rate was 10.3 cases per 100,000.

“However,” the first selectwoman cautioned, “it is crucial that we stay vigilant in avoiding the spread of the virus to those at risk.”

The town’s schools have recorded a recent rise in the number of cases, reporting as of Friday that 23 people, including both students and staff, have confirmed COVID cases and are isolating, while 37 people, including students and staff, are quarantining.

The vast majority of the state’s municipalities, however, now is classified in the “red” zone, with the most serious transmission-rate status of 15 or more cases per 100,000.

Vaccination, booster shots urged

Tooker’s update also reminds Westport residents about about eligibility and availability of COVID vaccinations and booster shots: 

• Anyone 5 years old and over who lives, works or attends school in Connecticut is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Health officials urge anyone able to receive the vaccine to be fully inoculated, including receiving a booster shot, as soon as possible.
• For more information about vaccinations and boosters, visit the state website’s vaccine portal. For availability of local boosters, text the local ZIP code (06880) to 438829 (GETVAX).

Westport mask guidelines

Westport’s policies on mask wearing have not changed since an indoor mask mandate was lifted in early November, Tooker said.

Currently those rules are: 

• Masks are not required outdoors.
• Vaccinated people are generally not required to wear masks indoors.
• Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks indoors.
• Masks still must be worn in healthcare facilities and those serving vulnerable populations, on public and private transit, correctional facilities, schools (public and non-public, when students are present) and childcare facilities.
• Some businesses, state and local government offices, performance spaces and certain events still may require universal masking for the safety of their staffs and visitors.

More information about COVID 19 and local resources can be found at the Westport-Weston Health District website.