Coronavirus Forces Norwalk To Close 2 Middle Schools: UPDATE

NORWALK, CT — West Rocks Middle and Roton Middle schools in Norwalk were forced to switch to full remote learning on Friday because of quarantines due to the coronavirus, district officials announced on Facebook.

At West Rocks, too many staffers are now quarantined to safely keep the school open, officials said.

"As a result, West Rocks will change to full remote learning effective immediately and lasting through November 17," officials wrote. "Students and staff may return to in-person learning on Wednesday, November 18."

The same was true at Roton, which was closed Friday to allow for contact tracing, and will remain on remote learning protocols until the 19th.

Norwalk, Stamford, Bridgeport, Stratford and Danbury are among the 68 Connecticut communities now on red alert status due to the coronavirus, meaning it has more than 15 cases per 100,000 people.

According to Mayor Harry Rilling, there were 34 new coronavirus cases in Norwalk as of Thursday, bringing the city's total to 3,252 since the coronavirus pandemic began in March. No new deaths were reported.

Statewide, coronavirus cases are on the rise, prompting Gov. Ned Lamont to roll back re-opening efforts to a modified phase 2.1 from phase 3. Under 2.1, restaurants are back to 50 percent capacity and other gatherings have been limited.

"The decision to move to full remote instruction was made after carefully considering the safety and well-being of all students and staff," Norwalk school officials wrote.