Norwalk Coronavirus Update: 2 More Deaths, 105 New Cases

NORWALK, CT — Two more Norwalk residents died of complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday, bringing the number of people who have succumbed to the virus to 19, Mayor Harry Rilling announced.

The number of new confirmed cases in the city grew by 105, and now stands at 435, which remains Connecticut's second highest tally behind Stamford's 589. Danbury is third with 402 cases.

Statewide, the numbers continue to increase at a daunting pace. The virus has claimed the lives of 131 people in Connecticut — 75 from Fairfield County — and the number of cases grew by more than 1,000 in a day to 4,914.

"I am saddened to report that two of our residents have died as a result of coronavirus," Rilling said. "My thoughts and prayers are with these families during this difficult time. I remind the public that the number of positive cases correlates to the number of tests administered and when the results are reported back. Sometimes, that can take days. Like I said yesterday, we are not out of the woods yet. If there is one case or 100, we all must continue to treat this as a serious public health crisis."

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All of the Norwalk residents who have died were above the age of 50, with eight victims between the ages of 70 and 79, according to local health officials.

In Fairfield County, the number of new positive cases reached 2,716 as of Friday.

This is part of Rilling's announcement Friday:

• The best way to slow the spread of coronavirus is to stay home, if possible. However, that could create the feeling of being disconnected from the community and loved ones. Mayor Rilling hopes the community will ring bells and shine lights from 7-7:02 p.m. each day. The earlier time will allow younger residents to hopefully participate. Those who can leave a light on throughout the night are encouraged to do so, to reach those who may still be working.
• Following Mayor Rilling’s March 29 orders, Governor Lamont implemented similar orders for businesses statewide. By reducing the permitted number of people in a store, and restricting how many people per family can shop, it becomes easier to adhere to physical distancing. City officials continue to work with local businesses on measures to maintain physical distancing outside of stores.
• The City of Norwalk will be using the Zoom platform for its upcoming meetings, which begin next week. More information and instructions, including for public participation, will be posted on the City’s website under the “agendas/minutes/legal notices” button on the homepage on April 6.

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.