St. Lawrence County Public Health officials say 11 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported to them, bringing the county's total up to 162.

The positive cases in St Lawrence County, as of April 24, are located in Hammond, Fowler, Ogdensburg, Oswegatchie, Macomb, Lisbon, Canton, Potsdam, Pierrepont, Colton, Hopkinton, Lawrence, Stockholm, Norfolk, Louisville, Brasher, and Massena.

Of those cases, 80 have completed mandatory isolation (the term used for quarantine by the Public Health Department when someone tests positive), and are doing well. The Public Health Department said 8 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in the county.

As of April 23, 1,319 people have been tested for COVID-19 in St. Lawrence County, according to the Public Health Department.

ll individuals have been isolated and are being monitored by the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department. The Public Health Department is also contacting anyone who may have been in contact with these individuals to determine whether quarantine or testing may be required.

The St Lawrence County Emergency Operation Center is open and operational from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“COVID -19 supplies are being disbursed as they are received. We are receiving shipments from New York State as they become available. All requests are being addressed with some limitations,” according to Matthew Denner, emergency services director..

With another week fast approaching this Sunday we would ask that everyone please use social distancing.

• Stay at least 6 feet from each other

• Do not gather in groups

• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

This virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another within 6’).

• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be

inhaled into the lungs.

• Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not

showing symptoms.

COVID-19 symptoms include: cough, fever, trouble breathing and pneumonia. There is currently no vaccine to combat this virus, however everyone can help stop the spread by: practicing social distancing (at least 6 feet), avoid handshakes, wash hands with soap and water (at least 20 seconds) or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover your cough with a tissue and dispose of the tissue. Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.

Testing is being done through both St. Lawrence Health Systems and Claxton Hepburn Medical Center. Testing is by appointment only. Call the hotline numbers below between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. if you have symptoms or feel you should be tested:

• St. Lawrence Health System: 315-261-6240

• Claxton Hepburn Medical Center: 315-713-6655

• St. Lawrence County Public Health Department: 315-229-3448