Number Of Coronavirus Cases In Norwalk Reaches 6,000: Mayor

NORWALK, CT — Since the coronavirus pandemic began in March, Norwalk has amassed 6,000 cases, and the number of residents who have died from the virus stands at 170, as of Wednesday, according to Mayor Harry Rilling.

The city remains one of Connecticut's red alert communities, meaning the COVID-19 infection rate is greater than 15 cases per 100,000. According to the most recent data from state health officials, Norwalk's rate of infection was 73.7 per 100,000.

"I ask residents to take precautions during the Christmas holiday and not let down their guard," Rilling said, adding Wednesday's coronavirus update will be the last until Dec. 28 to take a break for Christmas, unless if there is urgent COVID-19 news to report. "If visiting with family and friends be sure to keep your distance and wear a face covering. It’s critically important we all continue to follow public health guidelines to avoid another post-holiday surge in cases and hospitalizations."

Thursday's free coronavirus testing at Veteran's Park will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., but there will be no testing on Friday, Christmas Day. Testing will resume on Saturday.

"This has been a trying and difficult year," Rilling added. "And I know this is not the Christmas we want to have. Please remain vigilant. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we still have a ways to go. Norwalk, from my family to yours, I wish you all a safe, healthy, and very Merry Christmas."

This is from Rilling's daily announcement:

• Additional drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be available Saturday, December 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brien McMahon High School, 300 Highland Ave. Visit norwalkct.org/testing for the latest updates.
• Tuesday night, Mayor Rilling held a Town Hall with members of his COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force. This Town Hall and all City meetings can be found on YouTube by visiting norwalkct.org/youtube.

• Norwalk City Hall and all city facilities will be closing at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 24, and will remain closed on Friday, December 25. Facilities will resume normal hours of operation on Saturday, December 26. There will be no garbage and recycling collection services by the City of Norwalk on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25. Friday routes will be collected on Saturday, December 26.

• Meal distribution sites in Norwalk will be closed Christmas Day, December 25. Four days of breakfast and lunch will be available tomorrow, December 24. For a list of locations, visit norwalkps.org.
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other Federal agencies are warning the public of emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines. These agencies have received complaints of scammers using the public’s interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information and money through various schemes. Potential indicators of fraudulent activity include requests to pay money to be put on a waiting list, advertisements to buy the vaccine directly, or unsolicited phone calls or emails regarding the vaccine. For more tips on how to avoid scams, visit fbi.gov.