Norwalk Coronavirus Update: 5 Deaths Reported; Brings Total To 10

NORWALK, CT — Five more people passed away in Norwalk on Tuesday of complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of residents who have lost their lives to 10, Mayor Harry Rilling announced.

"No words can help heal the wounds of these grieving families, but I ask all of us to keep them in our hearts tonight. This is truly a sad day for our community," Rilling said in a statement. "The loss of five residents is heartbreaking, but unfortunately, is not shocking. We know coronavirus is highly contagious and can be fatal. I urge residents to take physical distancing and stay at home measures seriously. This is a global crisis and our community needs to come together to limit its spread."

Of the city's 10 deaths, all of the victims have been above the age of 50, one between the ages of 50 and 59; two between the ages of 60 and 69; four between 70 and 79; and three between 80 and 89, according to Rilling.

One of the deaths reportedly was of a Norwalk Public Schools bus driver, writes The Hour. The man's identity was not disclosed, and due to privacy concerns, school district officials did not confirm the death.

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Confirmed cases of COVID-19 reached 302 in Norwalk on Tuesday, an increase of 31 patients since Monday. Norwalk had been the Connecticut community with the most cases, but Stamford overtook it on Tuesday with 401 cases, according to state health officials.

Statewide, the number of people who have lost their lives to the virus reached 69, an increase of 16 over the day before. The total number of coronavirus cases in Connecticut is 3,128 as of Tuesday.

In Fairfield County, the number of new positive cases reached 1,870, up from 1,445.

This is part of Rilling's announcement Tuesday:

• Components of the emergency orders Mayor Rilling announced on Sunday to help slow the spread of coronavirus are now reportedly being considered by some of the largest supermarket chains across the state. More details can be found here.
• The coronavirus pandemic can be scary and create anxiety. Many rumors continue to circulate on Facebook and other forums that can further exacerbate those feelings. City officials urge the public to rely on trusted sources of information, which will be shared at norwalkct.org.
• The Norwalk Parking Authority suspended all parking fees for street, surface lots, and garages for the entire month of April. This follows Mayor Rilling’s March 18 order, which required pay-to-park requirements be waived for all City metered spaces until April 1. Official note that permit holders may see emails indicating the April charge will be applied. This is an automated and prescheduled message. Permit holders will not be charged for April parking fees. If a charge does appear or if someone has a question, they are encouraged to email norwalkparkingpermit@lazparking.com or call (203) 831-9063.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is actively and aggressively monitoring the market for firms selling products with fraudulent coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnostic, prevention and treatment claims. The FDA has not approved any at-home testing, and the public is advised to beware of unapproved tests and online frauds. Testing is happening in Norwalk. Those who feel sick are asked to please call their doctor, or the Nuvance Health Community Hotline at 888-667-9262, for guidance.