Norwalk Coronavirus: Mayor Orders Closure Of Hair, Nail Salons

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling has ordered the closure of "hair salons, nail salons, barbershops, massage spas, tattoo parlors, tanning salons, body care and body art shops" to help fight the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Norwalk.

Those facilities have until 8 p.m. on Thursday to close, under the powers of a Civil Preparedness Declaration Rilling signed five days ago. When the facilities will be allowed to reopen was not disclosed.

"Social distancing is the only way we are going to slow the spread of COVID-19," Rilling said of the order that covers all establishments governed by Chapter 18A, Chapter 18B, and Chapter 65 of the Norwalk Code of Ordinances. "These salons and spas provide services that simply cannot be done without personal, close contact. I know this order is going to impact these businesses, but my top priority is the health and safety of our community."

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He added, "The state and federal government has resources available to help business owners and employees during these tough times. My Economic Development Team is also here to assist. Together, with a lot of effort and shared sacrifice, we can slow the spread of coronavirus and keep our community healthy."

As of Wednesday evening, 96 people in Connecticut had tested positive for COVID-19, of which 69 were in Fairfield County, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.

Two people in the state have died from the virus, a 91-year-old New Canaan man (who was treated at Norwalk Hospital), and a Ridgefield man in his 80s, who was treated at Danbury Hospital.