National Guard to assist with Norwalk’s COVID testing

NORWALK — The National Guard is being dispatched to Norwalk to assist at COVID-19 testing sites.

Mayor Harry Rilling sent out a Code Red message to residents Sunday night saying the group will be in Norwalk by the end of next week to assist with long lines at COVID testing centers

Last week, the Day Street Community Health Center, which is partnering with the city, moved its COVID testing to Veteran’s Park to allow for drive-thru testing. Since then, wait times have been several hours, despite testing now being offered seven days a week. The city has been forced to shut down testing early, often before noon, due to high demand.

“The testing group has limited staffing to handle the unexpected large demand,” Rilling said.

Rilling said the National Guard should “dramatically improve wait times.”

“For now, if you plan on getting tested, be prepared to wait,” Rilling said. “Pack a book, a game, a snack.”

The city is also asking residents not to park on side streets and walk in to get tested.