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 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020:
– Since yesterday, there are no new positive cases in Norwalk, and the total positive reported cases in Norwalk remains at five. In Fairfield County, the number of new positive cases went from 69 to 102. 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.
– This morning, Mayor Rilling ordered salons, spas, barbershops, and more to close by 8 p.m. today by until further notice. More information on the order can be found here. Governor Ned Lamont issued a similar Executive Order around 5 p.m.
– Governor Lamont also announced the Presidential Primary will be moved from April 28 to June 2.
– Nuvance Health (Norwalk Hospital) announced a new drive-through collection site in Norwalk for pre-screened people suspected of having COVID-19. The site is located in the parking lot at the intersection of Stevens Street and Elmcrest Terrance. The collection site is only for people who meet necessary criteria, including having a doctor’s order and an appointment. Please do not show up unannounced. More info can be found here.
– It is imperative for residents without a primary care provider to establish a relationship with a local medical office, as testing for COVID-19 currently requires an approved order by a health professional. With or without insurance, there are local health care options available. More details are located here.
– Despite public health warnings to maintain social distance to slow the spread of coronavirus, city and school officials continue to receive many reports of gatherings taking place throughout the city, where groups of mostly young people are congregating at fields, playgrounds and public areas to play sports or socialize. Mayor Rilling continues to emphasize the importance of social distancing and avoiding group activities at this time. Without cooperation, public facilities may close.
– While Mayor Rilling is not ordering the closure of daycare facilities at this time, he strongly encourages those who have children in daycare and telecommuting to keep their children at home. It is critically important daycares remain open to care for the children of first responders, health care workers, and other essential employees, who do not have the flexibility to work remotely.
“We continue monitoring this situation closely, and remain in constant contact with local and state officials. We know coronavirus is here in our community, and I fully expect the number of positive cases to rise,” said Mayor Rilling. “That is why social distancing is so important. We want to keep our public facilities open for as long as we are able, but that requires everyone’s cooperation. Otherwise, we will strongly consider closing down all parks, playgrounds, fields, and beaches in Norwalk.”
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.
