Norwalk Coronavirus Update: Mayor Defends Phased-In Reopening

NORWALK, CT — As Norwalk prepares to begin a phased-in reopening plan on May 20, Mayor Harry Rilling has begun defending it in an effort to garner support for the initiative.

The plan, introduced on Tuesday, will unfold in four phases, but a sticking point for some residents has been non-residents' access to parking at Calf Pasture Beach.

Some commenters on the city's Facebook page alluded to their displeasure at non-residents being able to park at the beach, stressing that access should be reserved for residents only. Darien has taken that approach, and will not sell daily passes to its beaches for the time being.

The Mayor's plan calls for "designated spaces for non-residents which will be strictly enforced," according to officials who added that it is a first step in the process. The plan could change in the future. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

In a statement on Wednesday, Rilling elaborated on the parking issue, "The City has received inquiries about parking at Calf Pasture Beach during the Phase One reopening on May 20. There will be approximately 500 parking spots available to residents in the main lots. Nonresident parking will be restricted to outside the park at Taylor Farm to 50 vehicles. Non-residents who park in the main lot will be ticketed and towed."

Reopening plans have been challenged and criticized around the country, and some have even protested about them in at the Capitol in Hartford. Soon after he released the plan, Rilling acknowledged that he anticipated some discontent.

"I released the Reopen Norwalk Plan today, and I know that some people are disappointed that restrictions were not lifted entirely," he said on Tuesday. "We are using caution, going slowly, and basing our plans on the situation at this moment in time. We are following the advice of the medical professionals. There is no Democratic or Republican way to deal with this pandemic – it is nonpartisan. Fighting this pandemic isn’t about any one individual, but our entire community. We do not want to put each other at risk of contracting coronavirus and we all must do our part. We know it is highly contagious and very deadly. We continue to closely monitor the situation in Norwalk, and will review and adjust our guidelines as necessary. I thank the public for their continued help and partnership in battling this virus."

Click here to view the reopening plan.

On Wednesday another three coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Norwalk, bringing the city's total to 109, according to Rilling. An additional 28 confirmed cases also were reported, bringing the total to 1,868.

"It is tragic that residents continue to die from this virus," Rilling said. "These are members of our community we have lost too soon, and their families are grieving. I wish their loved ones strength during these sad times. I ask us all to remember those who have been affected by the virus and continue to take necessary precautions and follow all guidelines."

In Fairfield County, 1,068 deaths as a result of the virus have been reported as of Wednesday, and the number of confirmed cases have reached 13,636, health officials said.

Statewide, there was another 522 positive coronavirus cases reported on Wednesday, bringing the state total to 34,855, and the positive case rate for administered tests was a little higher than 10 percent. Over the past few days the rate was under 10 percent.

The number of coronavirus-related deaths rose by 84 to a total of 3,125 in Connecticut. Net hospitalizations continued to decline with 31 fewer patients compared to Tuesday, or 1,158.

This is from Rilling's Wednesday announcement:

• With social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, there is an increased risk of domestic violence or situations that may exacerbate an already abusive relationship. The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence has created CT Safe Connect, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visit ctsafeconnect.com for more information and resources.
• This week is National Peace Officers Memorial Week, a time to honor the memory of the men and women who have been killed in the line of duty. This year, the Norwalk Police Department will be holding its Annual Police Memorial virtually on Thursday, May 14, at 11 a.m. The event will be broadcast on the NPD Facebook page.
• Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 7MM yesterday to facilitate the reopening of restaurants with outdoor dining. The order allows municipalities to expedite zoning rules and ordinances. The process for Norwalk businesses to apply for outdoor dining permits will be released in the coming days and will be posted at norwalkct.org/covid19businessresources.
• The Connecticut Food Bank will be in Norwalk tomorrow, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to distribute food at Veteran’s Park. One-way traffic will be enforced to allow cars to queue inside the park. Volunteers will place food directly in a person’s trunk – please do not get out of the vehicle. This event is open to all – not just Norwalk residents. No walk-ups permitted.

"I am pleased the Connecticut Food Bank will be in Norwalk tomorrow," Rilling said. "We know food insecurity is real, and the need in our community has greatly increased over the last two months. I am thankful to the volunteers who will help distribute the food and I look forward to being there to lend a helping hand. We expect a large turnout of vehicles and I ask the public to be patient and kind as we work to distribute food as quickly and efficiently as we can."

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.