Norwalk Coronavirus Update: 12 New Cases, 1 More Death

NORWALK, CT — Another conoravirus-related death claimed the life of a Norwalk resident as of Monday, bringing the total number of deaths caused by the virus to 70, according to Mayor Harry Rilling.

Additionally, 12 new cases of the virus were reported in Norwalk, bringing that total to 1,495.

"I am distraught to report another death of a Norwalk resident due to coronavirus," Rilling said. "This person had so much life left to live and COVID cut that far too short. I can’t imagine the grief and pain their family must be feeling. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers."

Over the weekend, Rilling reported that there five coronavirus-related deaths, four on Saturday and one on Sunday.

Norwalk has recorded at least one coronavirus-related death in every 10-year age group from 20-29 to 80-89, according to officials. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

The number of new cases appears to be slowing, but Rilling said caution should be maintained.

"While the case trends are welcomed news, now is not the time to take the foot off the gas," Rilling said. "We’re working on plans of how to re-open Norwalk and are doing so based on what the medical experts are telling us. We have to do this thoughtfully, carefully, and strategically, otherwise, we run the risk of sliding backwards and doing more harm than good."

Gov. Ned Lamont said on Monday that his administration will issue preliminary guidance later this week on reopening the state.

On Monday, the number of coronavirus-related deaths in Connecticut climbed by 74, bringing the state's total to 1,998, according to state health officials.

This is from Rilling's Monday announcement:

• Local officials remind the public that Board and Commission meetings are now being held via the Zoom platform. The City created a dedicated section of its website for all upcoming meetings, complete with instructions on how to join via Zoom, call in, or watch on YouTube. Each meeting agenda also includes a link to email comments that will be read into the record. More information is available at norwalkct.org/meetings.
• The Norwalk Public Library is asking residents to send in photos for a new online exhibit entitled “Norwalk Strong: Life During COVID-19.” Photos of everyday life in Norwalk will be used to curate an online photo gallery that celebrates residents. Please send your photos to clahey@norwalkpl.org no later than Thursday, April 30.
• The Yard Waste Site will be open for residents on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. this week. Members of the public are advised that all traffic will be detoured down Reynolds Street and onto South Smith Street. There will be no access directly from Fort Point Street. The Norwalk Police Department will be present to assist with traffic control.
• The State of Connecticut has partnered with CONNSTEP and the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) to assist in the distribution of recently donated surgical masks to eligible businesses. Eligible businesses include those listed as essential businesses as defined by the state with 50 employees or fewer. Eligible businesses can request no more than two masks per employee by filling out the form here. Requested masks will be distributed by the City of Norwalk on a designated day as early as next week. Officials will contact businesses with a date, time, and location to receive the requested surgical masks, while supplies last.

Members of the public are encouraged to sign-up for the City's CodeRED Emergency Alert Notification System at norwalkct.org/codered. Updates on City services, hours, and community resources will be routinely published at norwalkct.org/citynews. The latest health updates can be found at norwalkct.org/coronavirus.