Norwalk, CT – City officials are working closely with partners at the state and federal levels, as well as partners in Norwalk, to monitor and respond to COVID-19, the 2019 novel Coronavirus. Statewide updates can be found online at ct.gov/coronavirus. Mayor Rilling provided the following Norwalk-area specific updates regarding COVID-19 coronavirus as of 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020:
- Since yesterday, there are 11 new positive cases in Norwalk, bringing the total positive reported cases in Norwalk to 28. There was also one death reported. Now, two Norwalk residents have died due to coronavirus. In Fairfield County, the number of new positive cases went from 208 to 270. The age and sex of these individuals will not be released. The public is asked to continue to take precautions as community spread is likely happening across the state.
- The public is reminded to not show up to the Emergency Room or Doctor’s Office unannounced – with or without COVID-19 symptoms. Medical providers are managing urgent and life threatening cases. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and feel you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, don’t panic. Please stay home and call your doctor for guidance.
- Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with an urgent request to attain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect EMS staff and First Responders, including but not limited to, N95 Respirator face masks, surgical gowns, gloves, swabs, thermometers and more. The letter can be seen here.
- The spring Yard Waste collection schedule has been pushed back by at least two weeks. Instead of collection beginning on April 6, it is now scheduled to begin on April 20. These dates remain subject to change as the situation surrounding coronavirus continues to evolve. Governor Lamont released a “Stay Safe, Stay Home” order on March 20, 2020 which goes into effect at 8 p.m. today. Some businesses are being asked to close to the public. Some essential businesses, such as gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks will remain open. Restaurants are also remaining open, but for take-out only. The State Department of Economic and Community Development has shared additional guidance for businesses, as well as a waiver to request designation as an essential business, here.
“Learning we have a new death in Norwalk breaks my heart. It’s not unexpected, but is very sad. As I said yesterday, I expect the number of residents contracting coronavirus to continue to rise. That unfortunately means more people in the state will also die,” Mayor Rilling said. “This is a very serious public health crisis. It is not a time for games. We all need to come together and do our part to stop this virus. Social distancing means staying home unless you absolutely have to go out for groceries or medicine. It does not mean continuing to live life as usual. Please take care of yourselves and each other.”
Members of the public are encouraged to sign-up for the City’s CodeRED Emergency Alert Notification System at norwalkct.org/codered.
Updates on City services, hours, and community resources will be routinely published at norwalkct.org/citynews. The latest health updates can be found at norwalkct.org/coronavirus.
