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 Sunday, May 3, 2020:
- Since yesterday, there are 12 new positive cases in Norwalk, bringing the total positive reported cases to 1,663. There were also three new deaths reported. Now, a total of 86 residents have died from coronavirus.
- The Department of Social Services will be providing $15.4 million in Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits to nearly half of Connecticut’s SNAP participants on Friday, May 8, 2020. More information is available at ct.gov/snap.
- The Yard Waste Site will be open to both residential and commercial users Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Traffic will be detoured down Reynolds Street and onto South Smith Street. There will be no access directly from Fort Point Street.
- In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting 2020 Census operations, but the census is still underway. Those living in Norwalk are asked to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. To date, the national response rate is about 56.3 %, and in Connecticut, 59.6%. In Norwalk, the response rate is at 58.3%. View results as they come in here.
- Mayor Rilling will be hosting a Zoom Town Hall on Monday, May 4, at 7:45 p.m. He will be joined by Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik and State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. Members of the public can submit questions live by visiting bit.ly/May4TownHall on Monday. The Town Hall will also be streamed on YouTube and Facebook. No registration is required.
“I am sad to share the news that three more Norwalk residents have died from coronavirus. I offer my heartfelt condolences to these grieving families. This is a sobering reminder that we must continue taking this pandemic seriously. Most people are being responsible, but I have seen retail establishments and public spaces becoming more crowded and some people not following proper guidelines. I know people are clamoring to get back to normal – or a new normal – especially now with the weather improving. I wish it were as simple as snapping my fingers to make it so. We have to be thoughtful, strategic, and deliberate with how we slowly reopen and reintroduce services and amenities. We’ve come such a long way and I fear moving too quickly will result in COVID-19 staying here longer,” Mayor Rilling said. “I hope residents will join me, Chief Kulhawik, and Senator Duff for our live Town Hall tomorrow night. A lot is happening locally and at the state level, and I look forward to providing the latest updates and answering all of your questions. Please join us at 7:45 tomorrow night.”
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.
