Coronavirus Norwalk: 2nd Resident Dies From The Virus, Mayor Says

NORWALK, CT — A second Norwalk resident has died from complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19), Mayor Harry Rilling announced on Monday.

Information about the patient, such as their age and gender, was not disclosed by the city, but state officials said the victim was a man in 50s who was treated at Norwalk Hospital. He died over the weekend.

The city's first casualty from COVID-19 died last week.

"Learning we have a new death in Norwalk breaks my heart," Rilling said. "It’s not unexpected, but is very sad. As I said yesterday, I expect the number of residents contracting coronavirus to continue to rise. That unfortunately means more people in the state will also die. This is a very serious public health crisis. It is not a time for games. We all need to come together and do our part to stop this virus. Social distancing means staying home unless you absolutely have to go out for groceries or medicine. It does not mean continuing to live life as usual. Please take care of yourselves and each other."

As of Monday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Norwalk had reached 28, and in Fairfield County, the number had reached 270, according to Rilling.

Six people from Fairfield County have died from the virus, the most of any county Connecticut, according to Gov. Ned Lamont. Statewide, more than 400 people have contracted COVID-19, of which more than 50 are hospitalized, prompting Lamont to require that schools remained closed in the state until at least April 20.

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Additionally, Rilling announced the following:

• The public is reminded to not show up to the Emergency Room or Doctor’s Office unannounced – with or without COVID-19 symptoms. Medical providers are managing urgent and life threatening cases. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and feel you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, don’t panic. Please stay home and call your doctor for guidance.
• Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with an urgent request to attain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect EMS staff and First Responders, including but not limited to, N95 Respirator face masks, surgical gowns, gloves, swabs, thermometers and more. The letter can be seen here.
• The spring Yard Waste collection schedule has been pushed back by at least two weeks. Instead of collection beginning on April 6, it is now scheduled to begin on April 20. These dates remain subject to change as the situation surrounding coronavirus continues to evolve.
• Governor Lamont released a “Stay Safe, Stay Home” order on March 20, 2020 which goes into effect at 8 p.m. today. Some businesses are being asked to close to the public. Some essential businesses, such as gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks will remain open. Restaurants are also remaining open, but for take-out only. The State Department of Economic and Community Development has shared additional guidance for businesses, as well as a waiver to request designation as an essential business, here.

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 atnorwalkct.org/citynews. The latest health updates can be found at norwalkct.org/coronavirus.