Norwalk Coronavirus: Confirmed Cases More Than Double, Mayor Says

NORWALK, CT — The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) more than doubled in a day in Norwalk from two to five, according to Mayor Harry Rilling, prompting him to continue to urge that residents take precautions to avoid spreading the virus.

The status of the patients, in addition to information on their genders and ages, will not be disclosed. Connecticut experienced its first COVID-19 death on Wednesday, a man in his 80s from a Ridgefield assisted living facility who was treated for the virus at Danbury Hospital.

"The number of known positive cases in Norwalk more than doubled from two to five in a day," Rilling said. "I am not surprised, as we know community spread is happening in Norwalk and around the state. The number of positive cases will continue to rise as more people get tested. I suspended pay-to-park for metered spaces today to help our local businesses that I know are hurting now. I encourage residents to use the pick-up and takeout services offered by our wonderful restaurants and businesses."

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Earlier in the day, Rilling had confirmed the existence of the city's second case of COVID-19 in a phone message to residents, as reported by News 12 Connecticut.

The locations of the five patients, whether they are hospitalized or in self-isolation, also were not disclosed.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Connecticut had 68 confirmed cases of COVID-19, but that number jumped to 96 confirmed cases on Wednesday, according to Gov. Ned Lamont. Fairfield County cases increased over that period from 48 to 69, state officials added.

Norwalk City Hall remains closed to the public, and schools also are closed.

On Wednesday, the Norwalk also closed Elmcrest Terrace to incoming traffic at Route 1 until further notice to accommodate COVID-19 testing at nearby Norwalk Hospital, according to the Norwalk Police Department:

Effective immediately, and until further notice, Elmcrest Terrace at Route 1 will be closed to
incoming traffic. Local traffic should access the area from Stevens Street, residents will still be
able to come and go. Additionally, on-street parking will be restricted. Signs and barricades
have been posted. This change in the traffic pattern is in place to accommodate the COVID-19
testing center at Norwalk Hospital.

In other developments in Norwalk's fight against the spread of the virus:

• Pay-to-park requirements for all City metered spaces has been suspended until at least April 1. Two-hour parking time limits are still in place. The City and Norwalk Parking Authority are working together to develop a long-term plan.
• Governor Lamont announced large retail shopping malls, amusement parks, and bowling alleys will be closed by 8 p.m. on March 19. This would include The SoNo Collection.
• Families with children in daycare who are working from home are asked to please keep children home. Daycares run the risk of being over crowded or shut down and it is critically important they remain open to care for the children of first responders, health care workers, and other essential employees, who do not have flexibility to telecommute.
• For households with K-12 and/or college students who may be displaced due to school closures and who do not currently have home internet access, Altice is offering a broadband internet for free for 60 days to any new customer household within its footprint. Residents can call 866-200-9522 to enroll in Optimum region.
• Social Distancing may cause or exasperate mental health issues. The Hub CT has resources available for the public.