Updated 4:31 p.m. April 2 to include comment from Public Health Department

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County Emergency Services reports five new cases of COVID-19 in St. Lawrence County over the last 24 hours.

There are now 42 confirmed cases of the respiratory disease, which is caused by the novel coronavirus.

That tally is as of noon today, Thursday, April 2.

The cases are in Ogdensburg, Lisbon, Canton, Potsdam, Hopkinton, Lawrence, Stockholm, Norfolk, Hammond, and Massena, Emergency Services said.

The Public Health Department was not able to compile a map of the new locations, and said everyone everywhere should be taking precautions as if the virus is among them.

"While the map does show areas of the county that have positive cases of COVID-19, the reality of the situation is that every place is potentially a location that you could catch the virus. Please stay home as much as possible, please keep surfaces clean, please maintain social distancing recommendations, please wash your hands with soap, please stay home if sick, please encourage others to do the same and please show kindness to others," Community Health Educator Brigette Conklin wrote in a Thursday, April 2 email.

"All confirmed cases are individuals residing in St. Lawrence County. All individuals have been isolated at home 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," Emergency Services said in a news release.

COVID-19 symptoms include: cough, fever, trouble breathing and pneumonia. There is no vaccine to combat this virus.

Everyone can help stop the spread by: practicing social distancing (at least 6 feet), avoiding handshakes, washing hands with soap and water (at least 20 seconds) or using 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.

St Lawrence County Office for the Aging is delivering meals to eligible County residents 60 years of age or older. Contact OFA at 315-386-4730

Emergency Services officials are accepting donations for personal protective equipment. To donate call the Emergency Operations Center at 315-229-3970 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

St. Lawrence County is strongly recommending everyone should stay home. Practice at least six feet social distancing in public, wash your hands frequently, and clean and disinfect shared surfaces regularly. Try to not touch your face with your hands before washing them for at least 20 seconds.

"It is strongly recommended if you are traveling into the county that you should self quarantine for a minimum of 14 days," the release said.