Westport Public Schools Returns To On-Site Hybrid Model Nov. 30

WESTPORT, CT — All Westport Public Schools will return to "on-site schooling in the hybrid model" on Monday, as the district largely has managed to avoid the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in schools, according to Superintendent Thomas Scarice.

That's not to say that there have been no coronavirus infections in Westport schools, however. As of September, there have been nearly 80 positive cases of the virus among students and staff, which has resulted in almost 1,500 to have to quarantine at various times this fall, Scarice said.

"As projected in October, community infection rates increased sharply over the past month," Scarice said in a message to parents. "Meanwhile, our schools have shown a remarkable resilience in halting any spread of the virus in our buildings. I am confident that vigilance in maintaining our mitigating measures (i.e.masks, distancing, hand hygiene, etc.), as well as keeping the density of our schools at 50 percent capacity, have ensured this measure of success."

Westport is among the state's red alert communities, in which the rate of coronavirus cases exceeds 15 per 100,000 people, according to First Selectman Jim Marpe.

Health experts also believe that with the holidays and colder weather upon us, virus transmission rates could remain high for the next several weeks and into 2021. Scarice said staying vigilant will be vital.

"It is critical that parents and those in the community partner with us to maintain the same vigilance that is evident in our schools in order to keep our schools open for on-site schooling," Scarice said. "An outbreak of the virus, or staffing challenges, can put all of our schools into a fully remote model."