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 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020:
- Since yesterday, there are six new positive cases in Norwalk, bringing the total positive reported cases to 1,889. There were no new deaths reported.
- With nice weather expected this weekend, City officials remind the public that Calf Pasture Beach and Cranbury Park are closed to all vehicular traffic. Phase One of the Reopen Norwalk Plan does not take effect until May 20. At that time vehicular access will be restored.
- Norwalk Public Schools announced that beginning the week of May 26, schedules will be set up for families to pick up student belongings that may have been left behind at school before the start of distance learning. School principals will share more information with families once plans are complete.
- Pursuant to orders and guidance from the State, City officials have amended the local permit process for restaurants seeking an outdoor dining permit and businesses seeking an outdoor retail permit. This process was crafted to be business-friendly while also protecting the health and safety of the public. Mayor Rilling is waiving all permit fees to help local businesses. More details can be found at norwalkct.org.
- With more people home during the day during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is collecting an increased volume of curbside garbage and recycling. It has also received an increase of missed collection messages and calls. Local officials remind residents to make sure garbage and recycling are curbside by 6 a.m. on collection day. Trucks will go down one side of a street before collecting the opposite side. Residents who receive city garbage and recycling services are asked to report missed collections after 5 p.m. on the day of the scheduled pick-up. Those can be submitted to (203) 854-3200 or customerservice@norwalkct.org.
- City officials and health professionals remind the public to call 9-1-1 for any emergency. First responders are well-trained and prepared to respond to calls, and residents should not fear coming in contact with COVID-19 by calling 9-1-1 or going to the emergency room.
“We have some of the best restaurants in all of the country and I know they are eager to open up outdoor dining. The key is that we do this is an orderly and safe manner. I ask our businesses to review the local regulations, including confirming they will be opening with the state Department of Economic and Community Development. We have to make sure regulations are followed if we are to continue to reopen slowly,” Mayor Rilling said. “I am troubled by local reports I am receiving that residents are not calling 9-1-1 during an emergency. EMS and medical providers are here to help. I ask that residents call 9-1-1 immediately with any emergency. Please do not sit home with symptoms and do not be afraid of going to the hospital. Waiting even minutes can be a life or death decision.”
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.
