St. Lawrence County public health officials say that although some businesses are allowed to re-open, all other PAUSE order restrictions are still in place.

That means people still need to stay home as much as possible, unless going into public for essential needs like food, medical care, or employment at an essential business.

Any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance. All non-essential gatherings are still banned. That means no parties, celebrations, games, meetings or other social events. State and local governments have legal mechanisms in place to enforce the orders, county officials said.

Businesses that have been allowed to re-open are construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, retail (limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off), manufacturing, and wholesale trade.

“It’s important that everyone plans carefully for reopening and follows guidelines and requirements from New York State. The health of our communities is our top priority,” Public Health Director Dana McGuire said. “Density reduction, social distancing, face coverings, and hygiene continue to be essential to ensure the safety of everyone. So as we move through Phase I and plan and prepare for the upcoming phases we must continue with all previous recommendations.”

“While we are encouraged to meet the established criteria to begin Phase 1, we remain concerned that there may be confusion about the need to continue practicing aspects of caution including face covering, social distancing, and disinfecting,” County Administrator Ruth Doyle said. “We would like to make sure that current practices, that may have impacted the recent reduction in cases, are continued to help prevent transmission of COVID-19. While it is true that we have seen multiple days without new confirmed cases, it is possible that we could see an increase that could cause an unintentional set back. We will be prepared to address the needs should they arise. County government will continue with the current limitations for public access with reduced staffing levels until May 28th as indicated in NYS Executive Order 202.31. Thank you to all staff and to the public for working with us through these difficult times.”

If you have additional questions regarding COVID-19, contact the St. Lawrence County at 315-386-2325.

The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department also has updated information on its website at www.stlawco.org/departments/publichealth.

Help keep St. Lawrence County informed

Until now, advertising has provided the income to pay our news staff. But with a cutback in advertising due to the COVID-19 crisis, our ability to continue free news coverage is threatened.  Please donate to NorthCountryNow.com and North Country This Week so we can keep St. Lawrence County informed.  Thank you.