Norwalk Coronavirus Update: 1 Death Reported; Total Reaches 21

NORWALK, CT — Another Norwalk resident has died of complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total of people who have passed away from the virus to 21 as of Tuesday, according to Mayor Harry Rilling.

"I am sad to report that another Norwalk resident has died of coronavirus," Rilling said. "I offer my deepest and heartfelt sympathies to their family and friends during this difficult time. We know more cases and deaths are likely as this pandemic goes on, but that does not make the loss of a loved one any less difficult."

Tuesday marked the single highest one-day death toll in Connecticut, with 71 people dying, which brings the total to 277.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the city reached 625 on Tuesday, second in the state behind Stamford, which has 1,000, according to state health officials. Fairfield County remains the area with the highest number of cases in the state with 4,136 as of Tuesday.

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Norwalk is sending officials to check on grocery stores and other shops to ensure that they are continuing to practices social distancing protocols, Rilling announced. See the statement below.

Additionally, Rilling announced:

• The City launched a dedicated page with information and resources for local businesses that might be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The site is routinely updated, and can be found at norwalkct.org/COVID19BusinessResources.
• The First District Water Department began performing its annual hydrant flushing on April 6. The work happens mainly during the day and may cause some temporary water discoloration. Click here for additional information.
• Yard Waste Collection is slated to begin the week of April 20, and during that week, the Yard Debris Site in Norwalk will be open with limited hours and reduced staffing. Tentatively, the Site will be open Tuesday, April 21 (Residents Only) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Wednesday, April 22, (Commercial Only) from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; and Thursday, April 23 (Residents Only) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. More information will be released next week.

Here is Rilling's announcement concerning store visits by Norwalk officials:

City officials continue to visit grocery stores and other retailers to check compliance with orders issued by Norwalk Mayor Harry W. Rilling and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont regarding store capacity and physical distancing.

“We want to ensure stores are following these orders and doing everything possible to protect their customers. I have spoken with the corporate executives for all of these major businesses and told them half-measures in Norwalk are unacceptable - these orders must be followed completely,” Mayor Rilling said. “The health and safety of Norwalk residents is my top priority, and I take that responsibility seriously. We will hold stores accountable that do not share that same philosophy.”

Checks are being done at random throughout Norwalk without prior notice. The Mayor’s Office,
Norwalk Health Department, and Norwalk Police Department will continue making these
unannounced spot-checks until further notice. If problems are discovered, stores will be told to
rectify the situation immediately and may face fines until appropriate action is taken.

“We have observed some measures that have been implemented, but we want to make sure
businesses continue in compliance and implement more strategies to protect the public,” Mayor
Rilling said. “I want to remind residents that it is also up to us to do our part. Please, do not make
shopping a family trip or a daily occurrence, if possible. That is an unnecessary risk all of us should avoid taking.”

The latest news and updates regarding COVID-19 can be found at norwalkct.org/citynews.