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 Wednesday, May 20, 2020:
- Since yesterday, there are 31 new positive cases in Norwalk, bringing the total positive reported cases to 1,948. There were also two new deaths reported. Now, a total of 117 residents have died from coronavirus.
- The Norwalk Seaport Association announced today that due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the annual Norwalk Oyster Festival scheduled for September was being canceled. More information can be found at seaport.org.
- To help keep the public informed, the City will be posting a daily updated list of businesses that have been granted outdoor dining permits and are open to customers. As a bonus, the City’s Director of Business Development & Tourism is sharing some of her favorite menu items as well. The public can view the most up-to-date information at norwalkct.org/outdoordining.
- To support businesses along Washington Street, Mayor Harry W. Rilling authorized the installation of concrete barriers along the south side of the street to allow the full use of the sidewalk for outdoor dining and retail. This will more than double the available space for businesses. Installation of the barriers begins tomorrow, May 21. More details are available at norwalkct.org.
- Today, May 20, was the first day vehicular access was restored to the Calf Pasture Beach and Cranbury Park. The public is reminded that no amenities are available at these sites as the reopening of parks and beaches will be slow and gradual to help with social distancing. Residents are asked to verify their license plate information at norwalkct.org/passes as nonresidents will be ticketed and towed if parked in the main lots.
- The boat ramps at Veteran’s Park will be open for the Memorial Day Weekend Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A daily launch sticker is required and will be available for purchase at the boating center.
“I am saddened by the news that we have lost two more residents to COVID-19. I wish their families peace and strength during these tough times. We know this virus is deadly and is why we have to continue to take it seriously. While some are clamoring to get back to normal, please remember that families and friends are grieving the loss of loved ones right now,” Mayor Rilling said. “My team and I have been working diligently to develop policies and find new creative ways to help our local businesses during this pandemic. I am happy that more than 25 businesses have already secured their outdoor dining and retail permits. We’re expediting applications as I know residents are eager to support their favorite places.”
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.
