AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Health Services reported two (2) new positive COVID-19 cases today in Akwesasne’s southern portion. We are pleased that seven (7) community members have been released from isolation however, there remain 18 total active cases and two (2) hospitalizations under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. There is no update on the 22 family members and friends in quarantine at home to prevent any further community spread. We wish them all a safe and complication-free recovery.
Contact tracers continue to be very busy following-up on exposures and providing notifications, so a breakdown of cases by age group is not available at this time. If you are contacted by public health, they ask that you please provide honest responses and a good phone number. Contact tracing is a vital part in preventing further spread of the virus, so your cooperation is extremely important.
If you suspect exposure to a positive case, please self-quarantine and monitor your symptoms. Self-monitor for symptoms that include diarrhea, fever, cough, tiredness, or loss of taste or smell. If any of these develop, please call your healthcare provider for guidance. Do not drive to the clinic or hospital.
With the current vaccination rate of 50.6%, the first Milestone Vaccine Incentive Drawing will take place on Wednesday, October 13th at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and will be streamed live on Akwesasne TV’s and the Tribe’s Facebook pages. Five (5) names will be drawn to receive $1,000 for being vaccinated. Anyone who was previously vaccinated is eligible for the prize drawing.
As a reminder, please treat everyone as if they are positive, wear a mask in all public places, wash your hands often, avoid large gatherings and uncontrolled environments where there are no safety measures, social distance, stay in your immediate bubble, and stay home if you are sick.
COVID-19 TESTING CENTERS:
Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is conducting COVID-19 PCR Test Collection Clinics from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at their main campus located at 404 State Route 37. Please use the gravel road located across from McGee Road and follow the signs.
Akwesasne residents and employees can also schedule a COVID-19 PCR test by contacting Mountain Medical at the following locations on Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.:
Mountain Medical Urgent Care (Malone)
3372 State Route 11
Tel: (518) 521-3322
Urgent Care Mountain Medical (Massena)
2 Hospital Drive
Tel: (315) 705-0700
Due to the increase in cases across New York State, including the North Country, please allow 3 to 5 days to receive PCR test results. Until results are known, please quarantine at home and do not travel.
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS:
Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is holding an Open COVID-19 Walk-In Vaccination Clinic every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the former-IGA Building, located at 850 State Route 37 in Akwesasne. Individuals who choose to be vaccinated to wear a mask, a short-sleeved shirt, and be prepared to wait 15 minutes after receiving their shot
Those who are 18 years or more and choose to get vaccinated will receive a $100 gift certificate from the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort. The gift certificates are being provided to tribal members and employees of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, or tribal enterprises for each dose received. The gift certificates can be redeemed at the casino for cash, while individuals under 18 years will receive a $100 Walmart gift card. The casino gift certificates and Walmart gift card will be provided for new vaccinations only.
Individuals who previously received the COVID-19 Vaccine are automatically eligible to receive a monetary prize at vaccination milestones. Five (5) $1,000 Milestone Incentive Drawings will be conducted when the Tribe’s vaccination rate reaches 50% and at every 5% increment thereafter.
The COVID-19 Vaccine is also available from healthcare providers and pharmacies outside of Akwesasne and can be found by texting your ZIP code to 438829, or calling 1-800-232-0233. Community members who receive vaccinations outside of Akwesasne are asked to please call the Tribe’s Outreach Program at (518) 333-0230 to have it documented with the tribal clinic.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!
Those individuals who received isolation or quarantine orders are required to stay at home until released by public health. If you are under the Tribe’s jurisdiction and require basic food items, please contact the Office of the Family Advocate at (518) 358-3021. You may also contact their staff directly by calling Everett Lazore at (518) 333-8450, Kerry Jacobs at (518) 651-9150, or Crystal Stehlin at (518) 651-1435.
Trained staff at the Tribe’s Mental Health Services are also available to provide support. If you or a loved one need someone to talk to, please contact Mental Health at (518) 358-3145 or call their After-Hours Crisis Center at (518) 651-4475. It is okay to not be okay and there is always someone here to help.
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