OGDENSBURG -- Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center says they are “ready to resume the full scope of services as local conditions permit.”

That’s in response to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that hospitals can resume elective surgeries, if they are in a county that isn’t at high risk of COVID-19 infection.

Numbers of COVID-19 positive individuals continue to grow in St. Lawrence County, as well as the surrounding tri-county area, the hospital said in a press release. Any decisions to open up services are dependent on the flattening of the infection curve and the determination that their continuation will not expose the public to a risk of infection, the press release said.

Other outpatient services will be brought back online as the pandemic surge passes. Outpatient physical therapy will resume Monday, April 27. Home sleep studies are slated to continue shortly for those already in process, CHMC said.

CHMC said patients scheduled for procedures canceled due to COVID-19 precautions will be contacted “as soon as the hospital receives clearance, and deems it appropriate to begin resuming operations.”

“CHMC is grateful for the community’s trust at this time,” Rich Duvall, CEO & President of CHMC, said. “It’s a long and frustrating road. We are ready to pick up where we paused, but will only do so when resuming non-urgent surgeries and other procedures are a viable option for those we serve.”

“While the state’s plan for reopening surgical services appears to adopt a regional approach, CHMC is mindful of the focus on COVID-19 prevention, testing, and screening at their facilities. Respiratory Clinics are experiencing increased volumes of community members preparing to come out of quarantine or isolation, in addition to the volumes for those experiencing respiratory symptoms. These tests are performed in a safe, isolated environment, and are available in Ogdensburg and Canton.,” said Duvall.

The Ogdensburg Respiratory Clinic is open seven days a week, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The Canton Respiratory Clinic is open Monday - Friday, 1-4 p.m.

To make an appointment at either the Ogdensburg or Canton CHMC Respiratory Clinic, call the CHMC Nursing Advice Hotline at 315-713-6655 for screening and further instructions.

To make a virtual visit appointment, call 315-713-6333, or visit https://www.claxtonhepburn.org/virtual-visits/ for more information.

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