Norwalk Coronavirus: Community College Stops Classes For 2 Weeks

NORWALK, CT — Norwalk Community College has halted all classes from now until March 23 after a student may have come in contact with a person with coronavirus (COVID-19), the school announced Tuesday evening.

"It has come to our attention that a Norwalk Community College student has potentially come into contact with a person who may be carrying the COVID-19 virus," officials wrote on the school's website. "At this time, the student and their family are showing no signs of illness. They are self-monitoring at their home for 14 days per federal and state guidelines."

During the temporary stoppage, the community college will be closed and "classrooms and offices will be deep cleaned and disinfected according to federal and state guidelines." School offices will re-open on March 16, though students will not return until the 23rd.

On Tuesday, Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven closed for the next five days under similar circumstances after the school learned that a student may have come in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

Norwalk's K-12 public schools, which are undergoing thorough cleaning but are still in session for the time being, will be closed on Thursday to allow staff to prepare course materials for remote education in the event of a closure.

(Don't miss updates in Connecticut concerning the Coronavirus as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.)

Also on Tuesday, Norwalk canceled its 2020 St. Patrick's Day Parade, which was scheduled for Saturday, due to COVID-19 concerns.

Below is the Norwalk Community College announcement:

Dear College Campus Community:

Please take time to carefully read this notice as it contains important information.

It has come to our attention that a Norwalk Community College student has potentially come into contact with a person who may be carrying the COVID-19 virus. At this time, the student and their family are showing no signs of illness. They are self-monitoring at their home for 14 days per federal and state guidelines.

In consultation with Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian, all classes beginning at 6pm today through the end of spring break, Sunday March 22nd are canceled. Classes will resume on Monday March 23, 2020.

Out of an abundance of caution, the College will be closed, classrooms and offices will be deep cleaned and disinfected according to federal and state guidelines. College offices will re-open on Monday, March 16, 2020.

We would like to remind you, once again, that this is being done out of an abundance of caution and people should continue to remain calm and stay vigilant, additional information and updates related to COVID-19, and precautionary actions will be found on this site.

Thank You,
Cheryl De Vonish, J.D.Chief Executive Officer
Norwalk Community College