The Department of Health urged all state hospitals, including those in St. Lawrence County, to stop allowing visitors for its patients due to COVID-19 concerns.

Meanwhile, public health officials in nearby Clinton County have confirmed a second case of COVID-19 infection.

There are exceptions to the hospital visitation restrictions, such as when it's medically necessary or for family members or legal representatives of patients in end-of-life circumstances, DOH said.

Those visitors will be screened for coronavirus symptoms or possible exposure to the virus, officials said. The length and number of visits and will be monitored as well.

“We’d like to announce that like all other hospitals, we are no longer allowing visitors to Clifton-Fine Hospital, according to Malinda Riquelme, medical staff coordinator at Clifton-Fine Hospital. “Also, we’d like to announce that our only point of entry for patients will be the main entrance.”

On Thursday, March 19, Clinton County Public Health said they’ve confirmed a second COVID-19 patient.

Officials there said they learned about the case the previous day and “immediately began the process of contact tracing.”

Staff are trying to reach anyone who may have had close contact with the person. Anyone at risk will receive information and guidance from Clinton County Public Health. It is not connected to the previous case announced in Clinton County, officials said.

“This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Clinton County to two with another case in Essex County,” John Kanoza, Clinton County Public Health director said in a prepared statement. “While not unexpected, these local confirmed cases should remind us how important it is to follow the recommended steps, such as social distancing, to prevent illness and contain the spread of COVID-19.”