Norwalk mayor on new mask fines: See something, say something
Hour Insider
Erin Kayata Sep. 15, 2020 Updated: Sep. 16, 2020 10:12 a.m.
Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling accepts a donation of approximately 11,000 masks by Rod Khattabi and the Grace Farms Foundation Friday, May 22, 2020, at City Hall in Norwalk, Conn. The masks were distributed to those in need as part of the Mayor's ongoing efforts to help keep the Norwalk community healthy.
Photo: Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media
NORWALK — While their neighbors in Darien may avoid proactive enforcement, Norwalk residents can expect to be subject to Gov. Ned Lamont's new fines for not wearing a mask or violating guidelines set for social gatherings.
On Monday, Lamont announced a new fines system, effective immediately, to help enforce protocols put in place to prevent COVID-19. Not wearing a mask will result in a $100 fine and, throwing an event that exceeds guest counts set by the state (25 people for indoor events and 100 for outdoors) will lead to a $500 fine. Attending overcrowded events means a $250 fine.
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Norwalk will rely on their Health Department to enforce this when it comes to local businesses, the same way the department has enforced reopening guidelines since May. Norwalk police will enforce the fines elsewhere, relying, in part, on tips from residents.
While some, like Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, said they feel the new fines is government overreach, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said he's hopeful this will lead to fewer gatherings and more mask-wearing.
"I believe at a time like this everybody in the city has a responsibility to ensure people are adhering to safe protocols," Rilling said. "I would encourage people, when you see something you feel is inappropriate or violating the executive orders, to call us and have it investigated."
Rilling said prior to Lamont's announcement, there were "some" fines or summons based on people gathering and not wearing masks.
"Perhaps we didn't get notified of a lot of the violations simply because people didn't know," Rilling said. "I think now with the governor's fines, people will take it more seriously."
The Norwalk Police Department said it's awaiting further guidance from the state on enforcement. Money from the fines, like most others, will go to the state.
Norwalk residents' feelings about the new fines were mixed. Some were in favor of it, while others said they worried some would see this as just the "cost" of throwing a party. Others feel Lamont is overreaching.
"I have no issue with fines — on public property," said Joe Christinat, of Norwalk. "I do not allow large events anymore on my property — with or without a mask. I did it once and I regretted it immediately. Thankfully, it was two months ago and we all escaped getting sick. Stupid mistake I made. But if Ned tries to fine me for what I do on my own property, he can go pound sand."
COVID-19 cases in Connecticut are on a slow uptick. Lamont said Monday there'd been over 500 new cases diagnosed since Friday, with a 1.3 positivity rate among tests as of Tuesday.
In Norwalk, there have been about seven new COVID-19 cases diagnosed in the last week, though city officials said they are still gathering data. The city's case numbers have remained relatively low, with fewer than 20 new cases a week since June.
Rilling said Lamont's new executive order will help keep numbers low.
"This is taking it to a level to get over the top of the hill and start on the downward side," Rilling said. "We were climbing and now we leveled off and it's because we're doing the right things. The governor is making very difficult decisions. We at local level are also making very difficult decisions. People have an obligation to work with us to make sure we do everything to help keep city safe. My No. 1 priority is and always has been health and safety of our city. I want to make sure we continue to do the things that work."
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