OGDENBURG -- Ogdensburg City Manager Sarah Purdy says Ogensburg residents shouldnt't be scared.

In a message to the public Purdy credited St. Lawrence County Public Health and offered appreciation for the public and how they've handled the shutdown.

Her message follows

"I’m sure all of us have been following the news over the weekend and earlier today about COVID-19, so everyone is aware that there are more positive cases in St. Lawrence County and that one of the previously counted positive cases is Ogdensburg’s City Councilor Mike Powers. Mayor Jeffrey Michael Skelly, the other members of City Council, the City Staff and I all wish Mike a full recovery. We miss you Mike!

The fact that there are more positive test results in our County, and that we now know the identity of a case in our City, need not create fear. Unique sets of circumstances that are hard to duplicate led to many of these cases. But even more importantly, our St. Lawrence County Department of Public Health is doing a fantastic job of staying on top of these cases. Give a shout out to them for their hard work.

Around our City over the weekend there were so many expressions of community spirit I couldn’t help but smile. People dressing up in costumes, people out walking six feet apart while the weather was good, teddy bears sitting in front windows, and spontaneous artwork showing up. A big “thank you” goes to whoever painted and taped the “Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti” sign on the front door of City Hall. It’s awesome!

As the shutdown of our country continues, we all need to stay committed to following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines about washing our hands often, not socializing in gatherings but instead staying home, and maintaining social distancing of six feet. The novelty of doing this has worn off, but it is just as important today as it was the first day we all started practicing it. By continuing to do this we will defeat the virus.

Here is another tip for staying safe – don’t be fooled online by scammers portraying themselves as the CDC or as charitable organizations needing donations. Unfortunately, negative creativity always shows up in times of disaster. Don’t click on links or open attachments from email addresses or senders that you don’t recognize. If an email or robocall is asking for your personal information, don’t give it. Delete the email and hang up on the caller.

Let’s all continue to stay safe, stay healthy and stay together yet six feet apart. Please find below several links to COVID-19 information that you may find useful."