Norwalk pauses shuttle amid virus restrictions
NORWALK — The city is temporarily halting its Wheels2U shuttle service through the end of the year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Harry Rilling’s office announced Monday.
The announcement came as Norwalk officials recorded 85 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, along with three new deaths, bringing the city’s total death toll to 162, a news release said.
“I am so sorry to share that we have lost three more residents to COVID-19. My deepest sympathies go out to their families, friends, and loved ones,” Rilling said in a statement. “This virus continues to spread in our community, and now with more than 5,000 cases in Norwalk, virtually all of us know someone who has contracted this virus.”
The release said the shuttle service will be paused temporarily beginning Sunday “due to increased COVID-19 restrictions.”
The shuttle service is operated by the Norwalk Transit District, and allows travelers to call for a ride
through an official app similar to Lyft or Uber.
Rilling’s office said the service plans to be reopened sometime next spring, but did not provide a possible date.
The mayor said authorities are stepping up enforcement measures on businesses that do not comply with the state’s COVID-19 restrictions. However, Rilling asked residents to follow the advice of public health experts in their personal lives as well.
“Small gatherings, even with close friends or relatives at home, can lead to dire consequences if mask wearing and physical distancing measures are not taken,” he said. “Please continue to be vigilant as we head deeper into winter.”
Drive-through COVID-19 testing is available daily from 8:30 a.m to 4 p.m. at Veteran’s Park. To register, go to chc1.com.
Testing will also be available at at Brien McMahon High School at 300 Highland Avenue from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. That test site will not require an appointment, insurance, symptoms or a doctor’s note, the release said.