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, May 5, 2020:
- Since yesterday, there are four new positive cases in Norwalk, bringing the total positive reported cases to 1,702. There was also one new death reported. Now, a total of 92 residents have died from coronavirus.
- Governor Ned Lamont announced today that schools will be kept closed for the remainder of the 2020 school year. A decision on summer school is expected later this month. Norwalk Public Schools will continue to provide free meals weekdays from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. More information can be found at ct.gov.
- Last night, the Board of Estimate and Taxation approved a $1.6 million special appropriation to purchase laptops for teachers and students to assist in ongoing distance learning plans. Mayor Rilling was supportive of the expenditure, and said “this is a good investment since we do not know what the future holds and how COVID-19 will continue to impact Norwalk. There is a real possibility schools could be closed for extended periods of time again. While much of the future is unknown, we do know that our young people are the next generation of leaders. It is incumbent on us to make sure they have the tools and resources they need.”
- The boat launch at Veteran’s Park will be open for daily launches and marina slip holders on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Daily launch passes and seasonal permits will be available to purchase via credit card on-site. Please email vetsmarina@norwalkct.org for more information.
- Under a previous executive order signed by Governor Lamont, for rent due in May 2020, landlords must grant a 60-day grace period for payment upon the request of tenants. Under this provision, a tenant must to notify the landlord that they have lost a job, lost hours, or otherwise lost revenue or faced significant increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline for renters to request an extension in writing is May 10, 2020.
“I am sad to share that we have lost another one of our residents to COVID-19. I offer my deepest sympathies to their family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. I remain concerned with what I have seen at some of our larger retailers and by customers. It is imperative that stores follow reduced capacity guidelines and customers physically distance themselves and wear face coverings. I fear not following these orders will slow the reopening of more businesses,” Mayor Rilling said. “I applaud the Governor, Commissioners Cardona and Bye for making decisions in the best interest of the health and safety of students and families. I know teachers and students in Norwalk will continue to put forth their best efforts between now and the end of this very unusual school year.”
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.
