Norwalk, CT – Today, Monday, March 16, 2020, Mayor Harry Rilling announced that Norwalk City Hall will be closed to the public until further notice. This overrides previously announced walk-in services and hours to any City or Public School offices located inside City Hall. Members of the public who feel they have urgent matters are asked to please call specific departments for guidance. There will be employees working inside City Hall daily to continue to provide critical government functions, but a majority of staff have been asked to telecommute. All public meetings have also been canceled until further notice.
“I did not feel it was appropriate to keep the building open to the public, as the best chance of slowing the spread of coronavirus is to practice social distancing. I ask residents to take the necessary precautions and adhere to the guidance issued by the experts,” Mayor Rilling said. “I know people will want to see friends and family, but this weakens our community effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19. I know it will be inconvenient, but we all must do our part.”
City of Norwalk Parks and Beaches remain open. Members of the public are asked to use common sense, avoid congregating in large groups, and to take necessary health precautions.
Governor Ned Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7C signed March 15 provides flexibility for municipal budget deadlines and related issues. The Executive Order extends all budget deadlines by 30 days. The Common Council will meet and approve a new budget schedule in the coming weeks.
Also today, Governor Lamont, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, and Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey announced a regional approach to combatting the novel coronavirus – or COVID-19 – throughout the tri-state area. The measures include limited gatherings to no more than 50 people, requiring restaurants and bars that serve food to move to take-out and delivery services only, and movie theaters, gyms, and fitness centers to close. These measures become effective at 8 p.m. on March 16, 2020. The City’s Economic and Community Development Team has been in contact with many local businesses and the Chambers of Commerce. Any Norwalk business with specific questions are encouraged to reach out to Jessica Casey, Chief of Economic and Community Development at JCasey@norwalkct.org.
Members of the public are encouraged to sign-up for the City’s CodeRED Emergency Alert Notification System at norwalkct.org/codered. Mayor Rilling will provide updates on the City’s website, social media, and CodeRED.
Updates on City services and hours will be routinely published at nowalkct.org/citynews. The latest health updates will be shared at norwalkct.org/coronavirus.
