From the desk of City Manager Sarah Purdy...
COVID-19 UPDATE
April 8, 2020
As the Ogdensburg area grieves the loss of its first Covid-stricken member, it is a good time to revisit the basics that all of us can practice to flatten the curve being experienced throughout St. Lawrence County. All of us can make a difference by continuing these practices:
- Practice “social distancing,” by staying six feet away from other people.
- The Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance that when in public, wear a face mask but not the ones our first responders and medical professionals need. Google “CDC”, go to the CDC website and click on “use Cloth Face Coverings” for how to make and properly wear a mask.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap. Wash for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
- Cover your mouth with your sleeve or with tissue if you cough or sneeze.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Do not shake hands with others.
- Stay home if you are sick. Stay home unless you absolutely have to go to the grocery store or a pharmacy. Our County Sheriff has issued a travel advisory reinforcing the importance of making no unnecessary trips.
- Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces and fixtures that are touched.
Ogdensburg’s Police Department has been made aware of instances of kids congregating in some of our parks after dark and not practicing social distancing. Our PD is monitoring all parks as time permits, and will start with talking and educating, then graduating to other measures if the same offenses continue. Governor Cuomo is serious about social distancing, and has authorized the doubling of fines for repeat offenses. We all want our community to use our parks appropriately at this time of pandemic, which means no congregating. Please, everyone, do your part to keep yourself and your friends healthy. Covid-19 does not care what your age is or what your level of energy and strength is; anyone can become a carrier. Six feet apart please. Six feet apart please. Six feet apart please.
Finally, for our older citizens, the St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging has started a Free Telephone Reassurance Program for older adults to help address isolation and depression concerns due to the pandemic. In addition to checking on the well-being of the client, the program also reduces loneliness and provides an opportunity to be in regular phone contact with another person. Weekly calls from friendly volunteers ensure the citizen’s health and well-being, as well as help identify problems before they escalate into more serious hardships. For more information or to sign up for the program, please call (315) 386-4730.
Be hopeful, stay safe, stay healthy and stay together yet six feet apart. “Take 5 for New York” by calling someone and chatting for five minutes. And please find below several links to COVID-19 information that you may find useful.
Department of Labor Cares Act Information
US Small Business Administration
St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency
Governor Cuomo’s Website
New York State Department of Health
Protect Yourself & Stop the Spread of Germs
What You Need to Know
Please revisit this page for important updates from the City of Ogdensburg.
