CANTON -- Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in St. Lawrence County at this time, Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe in consultation with St. Lawrence County Public Health is temporarily suspending visitation at the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility.

The initial visitation suspension is for 30 days and the sheriff’s office says it is "to safeguard inmates as well as staff."

Clergy and attorneys needing access to parishioners or clients should contact 315-379-2367 to pre-arrange appointments for admittance for secure visitation, arrangements will remain at the discretion of the sheriff, officials said.

The sheriff’s office is also exploring internet-based video visitation for attorney client appointments and will update if such visitation is able to be offered.

“There are thousands of confirmed cases in a growing number of countries internationally and the virus is now spreading to the United States,” a press release from the sheriff’s office said. “The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in NY has risen dramatically over the past few days at which time we will consult with our Public Health Department as well as our State and Federal Partners to determine if further suspension is required.”