Norwalk Coronavirus Update: 5 More Deaths Reported; 68 More Cases

NORWALK, CT — Another five Norwalk residents have passed away of complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the city's total to 41 as of Wednesday, Mayor Harry Rilling announced. The number of confirmed cases increased by 68, bringing the number to 841.

"Learning about five more deaths in our community is devastating. I can only imagine the grief these families are feeling," Rilling said. "I wish them comfort and peace during these trying times. Today’s spike in numbers is a stark reminder that this virus is still very much in our community. I remind the public there may be a delay in when positive results are reported to us. These are a snapshot in time and why it is so critically important that we all continue following proper guidelines and taking all the necessary precautions."

Gov. Ned Lamont said on Wednesday that he is preparing an executive order requiring masks or face coverings in some situations. He intends to release guidance on that later this week. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Fairfield County reached 365 as of Wednesday, and the number of confirmed cases in the county stands at 6,480. Stamford continues to lead the county and the state with 1,583 cases, according to state health officials.

In Norwalk, residents between the ages of 50 and 59 represent the largest age group of cases with 178, but there are nine cases among children 9 years old or younger; 13 cases among children 10 to 19; and 96 cases among young adults in their 20s.

The age group suffering the largest number of deaths in Norwalk is among residents who are 80 or above.

This is from Rilling's Wednesday announcement:

• 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.
• Mayor Rilling joined Governor Lamont yesterday afternoon for a news conference to discuss the COVID-19 response in Norwalk and across the state. The video can be seen here.
• Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7S required municipalities to enact new measures to assist local taxpayers. On April 14, the Common Council approved an automatic grace period for taxes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taxpayers will now be able to pay their taxes, which were originally due on July 1, by October 1, 2020 without interest. Escrowed accounts do not qualify for the extended grace period. On October 2, interest will be charged back to the original July 1 due date.

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.