AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Health Services reported three (3) new positive COVID-19 today in Akwesasne’s southern portion. They are pleased that five (5) individuals have resolved, but there remain 31 total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. There no update on the family members and friends who remain in quarantine at home, which was reported at 70 yesterday. Wish them all a safe and complication-free recovery.
The recent number of active cases are the largest reported since March 2021 and is due to community transmission. Since there is no identified source of infection, we continue to urge individuals to please consider postponing or canceling any social gatherings or events; including birthday parties, celebrations or other large gatherings. This is a necessary measure to prevent further spread and protect those who cannot get vaccinated due to age or condition.
PLEASE TREAT EVERYONE AS IF THEY ARE POSITIVE and adhere to the following set of protective measures to keep yourself, your family, and your community healthy and safe:
- Stay in your immediate family bubble,
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose in all public places,
- Stay at least 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you,
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water;
- Avoid large gatherings and poorly ventilated spaces,
- Stay home if you are sick; and
- Please choose to get vaccinated.
COVID-19 TESTING:
If you suspect exposure to a positive case and awaiting notification from public health, please self-quarantine and get tested no sooner than seven (7) days following the event. Self-monitor for early symptoms that include diarrhea, fever, cough, tiredness, or loss of taste or smell. If any of these symptoms develop, please contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
For the weekend, Akwesasne residents and employees can schedule a COVID-19 PCR test by contacting Mountain Medical at the following locations on 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
Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is also 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 for testing garage.
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.
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.
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS:
Individuals who choose to be vaccinated can attend the Open Walk-In Vaccine Clinic being held every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the former-IGA Building. Vaccination appointments can also be scheduled directly with Health Services by calling in advance at (518) 358-3141.
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.
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 two vaccination milestones. Five (5) $1,000 Milestone Incentive Drawings will be conducted when the Tribe’s vaccination rate reaches 50% and 60%.
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