Norwalk Coronavirus Updates: Huge Jump In Confirmed Cases

NORWALK, CT — The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Norwalk saw a huge increase on Friday, according to Mayor Harry Rilling and state health officials.

On Thursday, the number of confirmed cases was 76, but on Friday it jumped by 29 to 105, and Fairfield County saw a nearly 150 case increase from 607 to 752, Rilling said.

"I know we are all following the news closely. What we know is as more people get tested, more positive cases will be detected in Norwalk and around the state," Rilling said in a statement. This public health crisis is nowhere near close to being over. I know this is a difficult situation for families and businesses in our community. We are all feeling the impact of COVID-19 directly or indirectly. With the coming warmer weather, it is critically important for people to continue physically distancing themselves. I encourage all of us to show a little more patience, kindness, and understanding as we all battle this pandemic together."

(To sign up for Norwalk breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

In other news concerning Norwalk's COVID-19 response:

• To provide emergency cash flow relief to small businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by the coronavirus, the State of Connecticut is now offering qualifying organizations with 100 or fewer employees access to no-interest loans. More information can be found here.
• Mayor Rilling ordered the closure of the playgrounds and courts at Ludlow Park after members of the public were not observing proper physical distancing protocols. The closure remains in effect until further notice.
• The City of Norwalk launched a Community Organization Survey to better understand the resources available to the public through local nonprofits. The goal of this survey is to create a resource for those who may need the help of an organization, as well as those who may want to make a donation or become a volunteer. The survey is to only be completed by nonprofit groups, and can be accessed at norwalkct.org/communityhelp.
• City Boards and Commissions will begin meeting again in April. The meetings will be conducted by either teleconference or videoconference. The City is creating a new section on its website to post detailed instructions on how the public can participate in these meetings. More details will be released next week.
• City Hall remains closed to the public until further notice. Staff continues to work staggered hours and the public is reminded that messages (email/phone) will be returned as soon as possible.

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.