Norwalk Coronavirus Update: 31 New Cases; Total Now At 891

NORWALK, CT — Thirty-one new confirmed cases of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) were reported in Norwalk on Friday, bringing the total to 891, according to Mayor Harry Rilling. The number of residents who have died of complications from the virus remained at 46 on Friday.

"I remind the public that when positive cases are reported to us we share the news immediately," Rilling said. "We should all remember, however, that case data is a lagging indicator of what is happening throughout the community and is dependent on who is getting tested. We know many people are recovering in their homes on their doctor’s orders without ever being tested."

Two nursing homes in Norwalk — Autumn Lake Healthcare at Norwalk and Cassena Care at Norwalk — have had a combined 10 deaths, according to data provided by Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday.

On Friday, the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Connecticut eclipsed the 1,000 mark with 1,036. More than 16,800 Connecticut residents are confirmed to have the virus, according to state health officials.

In Fairfield County, the number of deaths reached 425 on Friday, and the number of confirmed cases reached 7,146. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

Also on Friday, Lamont announced that Connecticut and CVS Health are partnering in an
initiative that will make free, rapid COVID-19 tests available to eligible Connecticut residents. This includes the opening of the state’s first rapid testing site at the former Gateway Community College campus at Long Wharf in New Haven. More details can be found here.

"The speed at which results will be provided at the New Haven testing site will hopefully slow the spread through the community," Rilling said. "However, I caution residents that the site can process up to 750 tests per day, so the positive case numbers are likely to continue to rise in the days and weeks ahead. Stay safe, everyone."

This is from Rilling's Friday announcement:

• Senator Chris Murphy visited the Food Distribution Site at Tracey Elementary School today to meet with Mayor Rilling and observe the City’s COVID-19 response efforts. The Senator wanted to know what the City may need in order to leverage Federal resources.
• The City and Norwalk Health Department created a survey in effort to match residents who are seeking to help the community with local organizations in need of volunteers. Those interested can complete the Volunteer Survey here or by visiting norwalkct.org/citynews.
• Mayor Rilling will be hosting a Zoom Town Hall on Monday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m. Members of the public can submit questions live to Mayor Rilling by visiting bit.ly/April20TownHall on Monday. The Town Hall will also be broadcast on YouTube and Facebook. No registration is required.

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.