CANTON -- St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging is warning older St. Lawrence County residents to stay home as much as possible as COVID-19 cases continue to climb.

The rates of positive cases of COVID-19 are rising at an alarming rate in St. Lawrence County. The Office for the Aging is strongly urging older adults to stay home as much as possible to protect themselves.

Older adults have a much higher risk of fatal complications of COVID-19. Andrea Montgomery, Office for the Aging Director states “While we understand this is heartbreaking to consider, please rethink holiday gatherings with extended family members who don’t live with you. Many people are asymptomatic and could inadvertently pass along the virus to you.”

There are many options available for older adults to better protect themselves against COVID-19. There are a variety of early morning shopping hours that are safer for older adults. Many grocery stores and pharmacies offer delivery services.

“Consider asking family members or friends to shop for you,” Montgomery said. “If you absolutely must go out, please take the following universal precautions. Please wear a mask at all times. Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet or more when possible. Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds or longer and use hand sanitizer.”

Montgomery said older adults should not have visitors inside their home if it can be prevented. If it can’t, visitors should wear masks at all times and keep their distance.

If you are an older adult in need of food or basic necessities or know an older adult that needs assistance, please call (315) 386-4730. The Office for the Aging will remain open during this pandemic and is committed to helping older adults during these stressful and uncertain times.