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 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020:
- Since yesterday, there are 31 new positive cases in Norwalk, bringing the total positive reported cases in Norwalk to 302. A total of five deaths of Norwalk residents were also reported. Now, 10 residents have died as a result of coronavirus. In Fairfield County, the number of new positive cases went from 1,445 to 1,870. 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.
- Components of the emergency orders Mayor Rilling announced on Sunday to help slow the spread of coronavirus are now reportedly being considered by some of the largest supermarket chains across the state. More details can be found here.
- The coronavirus pandemic can be scary and create anxiety. Many rumors continue to circulate on Facebook and other forums that can further exacerbate those feelings. City officials urge the public to rely on trusted sources of information, which will be shared at norwalkct.org.
- The Norwalk Parking Authority suspended all parking fees for street, surface lots, and garages for the entire month of April. This follows Mayor Rilling’s March 18 order, which required pay-to-park requirements be waived for all City metered spaces until April 1. Official note that permit holders may see emails indicating the April charge will be applied. This is an automated and prescheduled message. Permit holders will not be charged for April parking fees. If a charge does appear or if someone has a question, they are encouraged to email norwalkparkingpermit@lazparking.com or call (203) 831-9063.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is actively and aggressively monitoring the market for firms selling products with fraudulent coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnostic, prevention and treatment claims. The FDA has not approved any at-home testing, and the public is advised to beware of unapproved tests and online frauds. Testing is happening in Norwalk. Those who feel sick are asked to please call their doctor, or the Nuvance Health Community Hotline at 888-667-9262, for guidance.
“No words can help heal the wounds of these grieving families, but I ask all of us to keep them in our hearts tonight. This is truly a sad day for our community,” Mayor Rilling said. “The loss of five residents is heartbreaking, but unfortunately, is not shocking. We know coronavirus is highly contagious and can be fatal. I urge residents to take physical distancing and stay at home measures seriously. This is a global crisis and our community needs to come together to limit its spread.”
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.
