Coronavirus CT: Norwalk, New Canaan Declare State Of Emergency

NORWALK, CT — Both the City of Norwalk and Town of New Canaan declared local states of emergency in an effort to combat the new coronavirus.

New Canaan's ordered was signed Friday around 4:3o p.m.

New Canaan Police are asking all members of the community to follow CDC guidelines in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Police are also asking parents to "just say no" to their children spending time in groups with friends.

"This suggestion would include avoiding parties and dinners together with groups of friends and even hanging out in groups outside," police said in a statement. "The schools were closed to create social distancing and slow the spread."

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said he signed the city's emergency order in order to allow him to exercise authority in order to help limit the spread of the virus, according to the Norwalk Hour. (Don't miss Connecticut coronavirus updates as they are announced live. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.)

Norwalk Public Schools will be closed for at least two weeks. City Hall is moving to limited staff and services form March 16 through at least March 27. The City Clerk office, public libraries, and several other departments are closed during the emergency. Officials ask anyone who has to conduct business at city hall to call ahead.