Norwalk Begins Coronavirus Vaccinations To Eligible City Workers

NORWALK, CT — Norwalk began rolling out coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations to eligible city employees Tuesday, as new cases and deaths from the virus continue to swell throughout the city and state.

Following state guidelines, Norwalk is administering vaccines to health care personnel and medical first responders, and the first employee to receive it was Darleen Hoffler, the Norwalk Health Department's supervisor of Clinical Services.

"In total, the Health Department vaccinated 140 employees and volunteers," officials wrote on Facebook. "Next week, the Health Department will be vaccinating community health care providers. As more vaccine becomes available, the Health Department will continue to inoculate people based on the state’s eligibility criteria. Vaccination efforts will be ongoing in the months ahead."

The effort comes as 273 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Norwalk since Christmas Eve, bringing the total number of virus cases since the pandemic began in March to 6,273.

Additionally, another seven Norwalk residents died as a result of the virus during the period, bringing the death toll to 174.

"It is with great sadness that I share the news that we have recently lost seven more residents to this virus," said Mayor Harry Rilling. "My heart aches for their families, friends, and loved ones. These were residents of all different ages, and all were taken from us far too soon. While there may be some light at the end of the tunnel, please remember this virus is still here and can be deadly."

The virus's rate of infection was 48.2 cases per 100,000 people, meaning Norwalk remains a red alert community for the coronavirus based on the state's criteria of more than 15 cases per 100,000.

On Tuesday, Community Health Center, Inc., opened a free coronavirus testing facility at Norwalk Community College on Richards Avenue, the city's second such site, joining the one at Veteran's Park. Both sites will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days per week, except for Friday, Jan. 1.

Those seeking a COVID-19 test at CHC is urged to pre-register at https://www.chc1.com/covid-19-testing/

"It is welcomed news that vaccines are being distributed in Norwalk," Rilling added. "I remind the public that this is a slow rollout, and while demand is high, the supply is unfortunately limited. We will be strictly following the state’s eligibility criteria of who can be vaccinated when. Please be patient and continue following all public health guidelines: wear a mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands."