AKWESASNE — January 16, 2021 marked ten (10) months since a State of Emergency was declared for the Akwesasne community in response to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic (Novel Coronavirus). We are pleased that vaccinations have begun in accordance with the CDC’s recommended guidelines and a light is beginning to appear at the end of the tunnel, but we still have a way to go before the virus no longer poses a serious threat to our community, particularly to vulnerable segments of our population.
To ensure we all stay healthy and safe, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center is urging everyone to take responsibility for their personal actions today. The next few months may be the most difficult time of the pandemic, but its impact on our community can be minimized by keeping the following information in mind:
“COVID-19 FATIGUE”:
The past ten (10) months have been long and arduous and has placed a great amount of stress and anxiety on individuals. It has led to widespread emotional exhaustion known as “COVID fatigue,” which hurts more than our mental health, but places our physical health at risk. It can cause us to get sloppy about the precautions we know we should take. For anyone experiencing “COVID Fatigue” or dealing with other mental health matters, please call the Tribe’s Mental Health Services at (518) 358-3145 or their After-Hours Crisis Center at (518) 651-4475.
BE KIND. STAY SAFE.
The EOC urges everyone to please continue showing compassion and kindness—to those who have been directly affected by COVID-19 and to all frontline workers. Whether you telephone the clinic, are in line for the pharmacy’s curbside pickup or to receive a COVID-19 test, we ask for your continued patience and understanding. Many of our healthcare workers and frontline personnel have been doing their very best to take care of your health, medical, and other needs since the beginning of the pandemic, so please be patient and respectful towards them.
PLEASE CALL FIRST:
The EOC reminds anyone seeking services from the Tribe’s clinic or Medical Mountain Urgent Care to please call ahead to schedule an appointment. Please DO NOT travel to the clinic or any medical facility at this time without calling first, as walk-ins are not being accepted. To make an appointment at the tribal clinic, please call (518) 358-3141. For the Tribe’s Pharmacy and their Curbside Pickup, please call (518) 358-3143.
VACCINE REGISTRATION:
Our elders are a priority group in Phase 1A to receive the vaccine, so seniors ages 65 and over can call the Tribe’s Office for the Aging to pre-register for a vaccination. Health Services will contact you to complete a health screening and schedule your appointment when doses are available. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and phone number. To pre-register, call the Tribe’s Office for the Aging at (518) 358-2963.
COVID-19 TESTING:
The Tribe is continuing its efforts to quickly locate and isolate the virus to prevent community spread. Individuals should get tested if they are displaying symptoms or have been in direct contact with a confirmed case. Remember if you think you have been exposed you should isolate immediately and get tested around the 7 day mark if you have not had symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms contact your provider for further guidance.
A COVID-19 community drive-thru test collection clinic will be held on January 26th beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the former-IGA Building. More community drive-thru clinics are being scheduled for February and will be announced. Akwesasne residents and employees may also schedule a test by contacting Mountain Medical Urgent Care in Malone at (518) 521-3322 or Mountain Medical Urgent Care in Massena at (315) 705-0700. For anyone seeking to obtain their COVID-19 test results, please call the clinic at (518) 333-0230.
QUARANTINE ORDERS:
We urge those who have received quarantine or isolation orders to please remain at home until you are officially released by a public health official. Please DO NOT travel in the community and place other people’s health at risk. If you are under the Tribe’s jurisdiction and require emergency food supplies or other essential items, please call the Tribe’s Office of the Family Advocate at (518) 358-3021.
PLEASE HOLD THE LINE:
With the number of cases increasing in and around Akwesasne, we urge everyone to please remain vigilant and continue wearing a mask, social distance, wash your hands, and stay in your immediate household’s bubble. Please continue to follow all the protective measures that are continuing to be recommend by the EOC and public health agencies.
Please remember that the personal action we take today will help us all get through this together.
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