CANTON -- No new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department today (Friday, May 22).

The total number of confirmed positive cases to-date is 197.

One hundred seventy-seven cases have been released from isolation.

One case is currently hospitalized.

Two deaths have occurred; this fatality data comes from the New York State Department of Health and was last updated on May 22 before 2 p.m.

Public Health said 7,158 people have been tested for COVID-19 as of May 21; this testing data comes from the New York State Department of Health and was last updated on 5/22/20 before 2 p.m.

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.-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

• Clifton-Fine Hospital 315-848-8049

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

The New York on PAUSE continues through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, reminds Public Health. This means, all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (parties, celebrations, meetings, or other social events) remain restricted.

However an executive order issued by the governor on Thursday, May 21, “permits a gathering of 10 (ten) or fewer individuals for any religious ceremony, or for the purpose of any Memorial Day service or commemoration, provided that social distancing protocols are followed (maintaining 6 feet distance from others, wearing a face covering when social distancing is not possible, washing hands, and cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces).

The order also states that any drive-in or remote religious service may continue in excess of a ten-person limit so long as there is no in-person contact between participants. Vehicle caravans are permitted.

Governor Cuomo’s full executive order can be found at www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20232-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency.

The maximum fine for violations of the State’s social distancing protocols is $1,000 says Public Health.

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