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, March 18, 2020:
– Since yesterday, there are three new positive cases in Norwalk, bringing the total positive reported cases in Norwalk to five. In Fairfield County, the number of new positive cases went from 48 to 69. The age and sex of these individuals will not be released. The public is asked to take precautions, regardless of any connections to known cases, as community spread is likely happening across the state.
– Pay-to-park requirements for all City metered spaces has been suspended until at least April 1. Two-hour parking time limits are still in place. The City and Norwalk Parking Authority are working together to develop a long-term plan.
– Governor Lamont announced large retail shopping malls, amusement parks, and bowling alleys will be closed by 8 p.m. on March 19. This would include The SoNo Collection.
– Families with children in daycare who are working from home are asked to please keep children home. Daycares run the risk of being over crowded or shut down and it is critically important they remain open to care for the children of first responders, health care workers, and other essential employees, who do not have flexibility to telecommute.
– For households with K-12 and/or college students who may be displaced due to school closures and who do not currently have home internet access, Altice is offering a broadband internet for free for 60 days to any new customer household within its footprint. Residents can call 866-200-9522 to enroll in Optimum region.
– Social Distancing may cause or exasperate mental health issues. The Hub CT has resources available for the public.
“The number of known positive cases in Norwalk more than doubled from two to five in a day. I am not surprised, as we know community spread is happening in Norwalk and around the state. The number of positive cases will continue to rise as more people get tested,” said Mayor Rilling. “I suspended pay-to-park for metered spaces today to help our local businesses that I know are hurting now. I encourage residents to use the pick-up and takeout services offered by our wonderful restaurants and businesses.”
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.
