2 Coronavirus Deaths Reported In Norwalk; Cases Climbing: Mayor

NORWALK, CT — With coronavirus cases continuing to rise in Norwalk, the city reported two new deaths from the virus Tuesday, the city's first deaths in more than three weeks, according to Mayor Harry Rilling. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, 151 Norwalk residents have died from the virus.

Additionally, 30 new coronavirus cases were reported Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases since the beginning of the pandemic to 2,901. Last week, Norwalk was named one of more than a dozen "red alert" communities with rising virus transmission rates.

According to the latest data, Norwalk's coronavirus infections were 48.9 per 100,000 people from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24, well above the 15 per 100,000 the state uses to measure red alert status. The week before, the city's transmissions were 40.5 per 100,000.

"I am saddened to share the news that two of our residents have died from coronavirus," Rilling said. "I am offer my deepest sympathies to their families and friends during this difficult time. If our case numbers continue to rise, I fear more families may experience the loss of loved ones in the weeks and months ahead."

Coronavirus cases are rising statewide, according to Gov. Ned Lamont, who said Tuesday that the transmission rate has reached levels not seen since June. On Tuesday, Rilling also discouraged families from participating in traditional Halloween activities this week, but stopped short of canceling the annual event altogether.

On Wednesday, the city is offering a free drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing event from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brien McMahon High School on Highland Avenue. No appointment, insurance, symptoms, nor doctor's note are required to get tested. The event is open to everyone, not just members of the school community. The public is asked to remain in their vehicles and follow instructions from Norwalk Police Officers and testing staff.

"We will continue to add more testing events to get a better understanding of how this virus is being transmitted," Rilling said. "We continue to hear reports of asymptomatic residents testing positive. Clearly more testing means more positive cases, and what is troubling is the fact that the test positivity rate continues to climb. That means the virus is spreading. I ask residents to get tested, wear face coverings, avoid gatherings, and stay home whenever possible. We all have to do our part to slow this virus down."