WESTPORT — Interim Superintendent Thomas F. Aubin issued the following bulletin Friday regarding the status of the Westport Community Schools relating to COVID-19 testing data released by the state that now puts Westport in the “red” category …

“The Town of Westport has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases recently, leading to the town’s designation as “high risk” for COVID-19 according to the DPH data released Thursday, Oct. 22. According to the data, the average daily incidence rate for the Town of Westport per 100,000 residents is 9. Any number over 8 leads to a red "high risk" designation.

At the recommendation of Westport public health officials, there will be no change to the current learning model in the district (see below). There will also be no change to after-school athletics at any of the schools.

With that in mind, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to talk to their children about the importance of wearing a face mask or covering, and practicing social distancing whenever possible in order to prevent further spread of the virus.

‘We must remain vigilant in our fight against the virus, and remember that we still have a long way to go before we can return to normal,’ Interim Superintendent Aubin said. 'If we all do our part it will go a long way to reducing cases in town and keeping us all, including our students and staff, as safe as possible.'

Current school status

Currently, the Alice A. Macomber Primary School students are full in.

At the Westport Elementary School, grades 3 and 4 are full in. As of Oct. 26, grades 5 and 6 will return to the building in full.

Students at the Westport Junior Senior High School are completely remote. Interim Superintendent Aubin has announced a tentative hybrid re-entry date of Nov. 9, depending on approval from the Westport Board of Health and Westport School Committee.

Prevention Methods

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health urges all residents to review the following COVID-19 prevention tips:

• Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why COVID-19 protocols are so important.
• Avoid touching your face and mouth as much as possible.
• Those who must go out are urged to:
• Avoid gathering in groups
• 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.
• Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor spaces where social distancing from people outside your household is not 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."