Norwalk Coronavirus Update: City Has 1,883 Confirmed Cases

NORWALK, CT — There are 1,883 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Norwalk as of Thursday, which represents an increase of 15 cases from Wednesday, according to Mayor Harry Rilling. No new deaths were reported on Thursday, and that number remains at 109.

State health officials reported 609 new confirmed coronavirus cases out of 6,619 tests, or less than a 10 percent positive case rate. The total number of confirmed cases in Connecticut as of Thursday was of 35,464.

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in the state, however, increased by 94 to a total of 3,219 as of Thursday. The state had 84 deaths reported on Wednesday and 33 reported on Tuesday.

Net hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients dropped by 55 on Thursday, which makes for about three weeks of declines. There were 1,103 people hospitalized as of Thursday. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

Mayor Rilling and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz joined the Connecticut Food Bank and hundreds of volunteers at Veteran's Park in Norwalk on Thursday to help distribute more than 39 tons of free food to residents in need. Officials said that more than 2,000 vehicles came through Veteran’s the event.

"It was a humbling experience to be at Vets Park today, and see cars lined up and down the street waiting for food," Rilling said. "It was striking to see firsthand how real the need for food is in our community. I encourage those who are able to consider making a donation to a local group or organization to help our neighbors in need."

Information on other food sources can be obtained by calling 2-1-1 or visiting norwalkct.org/meals for local resources that can help.

On Tuesday, Rilling unveiled a four-phased reopening plan for the city, which has sparked some debate among residents, similar to the questions surrounding Gov. Ned Lamont's reopening plan.

"I appreciate the thoughtful and passionate feedback I have received from the public regarding the Reopen Norwalk Plan," Rilling said. "As I have said before, the Plan is based on what we know today and is a snapshot in time. It will always remain subject to change based on state guidelines and the situation locally. My top priority is the health and safety of our community, and I take that responsibility seriously."

Click here to read the full Norwalk reopening plan.

This is from Rilling's Thursday announcement:

• Norwalk Public Schools will have a day off from distance learning for teachers and students tomorrow, May 15. Meal services for families with children under 18 years of age covering three days’ worth of food will be available at distribution sites in Norwalk noon to 2 p.m.
• The Norwalk Police Department and Norwalk Police Activities League will not be holding DARE Camp this summer. Refund checks will be sent out to all those who registered.
• CVS announced today that it was expanding rapid COVID-19 drive-through testing sites in Connecticut. The company said that 12 new spots across the state would open, and testing would not take place inside retail locations. The announcement was applauded by Governor Lamont. For a list of locations or more information, visit ct.gov.
• Spring Waste Collection continues on Monday. During the week of May 18, collections will be for residents with Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday City garbage collection. All yard waste must be curbside by 6 a.m. on Monday, May 18, as the truck only passes by once. During the week of May 25, collections will be for residents with Thursday and Friday garbage collection.
• Norwalk restaurants are asked to complete a survey to help local officials understand the preparedness, capability, and capacity of establishments to meet May 20 guidelines for reopening, including outdoor dining, as set by the State of Connecticut. Restaurants can find the survey at norwalkct.org/diningsurvey.

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.