Four COVID deaths in county so far
by Dan McClelland
Franklin County marked its third and fourth deaths this week from COVID-19 and all have been elderly people from the north end of the county.
In a report from the mayor and county legislator Paul Maroun yesterday there is apparently a fifth person gravely ill from the disease who may regrettably succumb to it.
There are 53 active cases currently across the county- with five new cases added yesterday, he reported.
There was a new case reported to the county health agency from Tupper Lake over the weekend, bringing the total of positive cases here to about eight.
He said that the local cases have all been well managed in, with people following quarantine orders, and as a consequence this village has not seen a fatality.
The mayor said that several local businesses have closed this past week, out of caution. One of the places closed is the VFW Post 3120 on Park Street and it is expected to stay closed for several more days, he noted. “Apparently there was a person who visited there recently and who tested positive. Out of caution for her staff and their patrons, Commander Tracy Luton” closed the quarters temporarily and sent her staff members to be tested.
“I want to thank those business owners who have listened to what we've said and the precautions we've suggested.” He said several businesses- particularly local restaurants- have made “some alterations” to their operations to make it safer there for their staff members and visitors.
He said the county department of health also appreciates those efforts and it's working, since the number of violation complaints reported by local citizenry to them and to enforcement agencies has decreased in Tupper Lake.
“We're still getting a few complaints from people but it's really about not wearing face masks in local businesses.”
“I would encourage everyone to please wear masks when visiting a local business or public place. -And business owners or managers just need to tell customers who come in without masks that 'we are not going to serve you!'”
He wished everyone in the community a safe and happy Thanksgiving