COVID 19 cases in the North Country region are getting worse, with 28 positive tests in the last seven days, 10 of which were from Essex and Franklin counties. 

Our region had been doing so well, and now we are heading in the wrong direction.

Driving and walking through downtown, one can readily see dozens of people meandering on the sidewalks without masks. I am worried about our businesses. They are in the unenviable position of enforcing people wearing masks. It is uncomfortable at best and frightening at the worst.

Our wonderful oasis community in the Adirondacks has lost its isolation. Almost all visitors to the region are coming from areas with significantly higher incidents of infection. Three of our region’s counties — Essex, Franklin and Jefferson — are the only counties out of 62 in the state with no COVID fatalities.

(Table by Rich Shapiro)

I want to find a better way to educate people and achieve a higher compliance rate. Signage on the highways entering the village? Sandwich boards throughout downtown with the “wear a mask” message? Any and all ideas welcome. Contact me at TrusteeShapiro@SaranacLakeNY.gov.

Wear masks. Wash your hands. Maintain social distances. Please.

Rich Shapiro

Deputy mayor

Village of Saranac Lake