Vaccine, Testing Required For City, Schools Employees In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — City officials announced Thursday all city and Norwalk Public Schools employees are required to either be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or undergo weekly testing.

In a news release, city officials noted the policy comes as coronavirus transmission and hospitalizations continue to increase across the state.

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed Fairfield County in a high rate of community transmission for the first time, city officials said. Currently, 95 percent of the country is listed in a substantial or higher transmission rate, according to the CDC.

Cases in Norwalk are also at its highest levels in more than three months, according to city officials. The vaccine or testing requirement, along with the ongoing indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccine status, are combined efforts to combat the rising spread of the virus and the delta variant.

"I believe we must provide a safe workplace for employees," Mayor Harry Rilling said in a statement. "We also must instill confidence in members of the public that our employees who they are in contact with are doing what they can to stay safe. My number one priority has always been the health and safety of our community and employees. This is a proactive step to curb transmission. We have worked so hard and sacrificed so much throughout this pandemic that I do not want us to stumble backward. We have the tools to end this pandemic and we must use them."

All school districts in Connecticut will return to full in-person learning this year, with masks currently required for all staff and students, regardless of their vaccination status, as of Friday morning.

Currently, nearly 60 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 17 in Norwalk are fully vaccinated, according to city officials. Those under the age of 12 are not yet eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

The first day of classes for Norwalk Public Schools is Aug. 30. Patch has reached out to the city's Board of Education and the Norwalk Federation of Teachers for comment.

"As we welcome students, faculty, and staff back for the new school year, we are all disappointed that COVID-19 continues to impact our lives," Superintendent Alexandra Estrella said in a news release. "As we return to full in-person learning this year, we are committed to making sure that effective health protocols and strong social emotional supports are in place for our children and staff. We will also continue working with our healthcare partners to provide opportunities for staff and students to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We look forward to a very successful school year."

Gov. Ned Lamont announced similar requirements Thursday for all state employees, K-12 teachers and staff and early childhood teachers and staff. City officials continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Further information can be found on the city's website.