Reporting on the State of Connecticut’s Summary of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and tests.
The Health District’s efforts are focusing on the response to last week’s storm and the town’s recovery efforts.
A complete listing of all COVID-19 cases and analyses by age, hospitalizations, deaths, towns and county is reported by the Connecticut State Department of Health. This information can be found by following the link below:
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/CTDPHCOVID19summary8182020.pdf
Total Reported
To Date Change from Probable
Yesterday Cases
Local Results
Westport Residents COVID-19 Positive Reported to the State 324 +0 15
Weston Residents COVID-19 Positive Reported to the State 75 +0 3
Thinking About School and New Beginnings
Preparing for back-to-school time is certainly different for families this year. Many students are excited to see their friends and teachers, but some may also feel nervous or anxious about resuming school activities during the pandemic. Classroom spaces will look different, activities and routines will be altered, and safety protocols will require students to be flexible. Parents can help to ease concerns by having conversations and encouraging children to ask questions and articulate their worries. Open, age-appropriate conversations will also help to manage their expectations. It’s important to let children know that although we do not have all the answers, everyone is working together to ensure their health and safety.
Consider the suggestions below to make the transition easier.
Cover Up: Teach your children how to wear and remove their masks properly. Have them start wearing face coverings for short periods at home and especially when out in public. Model the behavior yourself and reinforce that masks are one of the best ways to protect ourselves and others from getting COVID-19.
Clean Hands Count: Promote a hand washing routine like before leaving home and when back home from outside, after going to the bathroom, and before and after eating.
Read to Succeed: Keep reading to younger children and encourage older children to read books of their choice. Now is a good time to establish a quiet, designated learning area in your home. Let kids help to personalize the space if you can.
Get Your Zzzz: Many students have been on a different sleep schedule throughout the pandemic. They are likely going to bed later and waking up later in the morning. Parents can start incrementally pushing up bedtime to help ease the transition. Kids of all ages should follow a consistent bedtime routine and avoid electronics.
Different Choices: Some families may decide not to send their children to school this fall. Explain to your children that every family has different situations, medical conditions or other factors that influence the decision to return to school.
Separation Blues: After spending many months at home, children may feel nervous about being apart from family. Create ways for your child to feel connected to home, like notes in their lunchbox or a family photo they can keep in their book bag or locker.
Be available: Your children may react to changes in school in various ways. Experts caution parents to be ready for potential behavior changes – such as acting out in younger children and quietness in teens. Quiet time before bed is a good opportunity to listen to your child recount events and feelings from the day. Driving in the car is a nice chance to chat as well. Remind your child that you are always available to listen.
Learn more about returning to school safely from the American Academy of Pediatrics parenting website at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx