AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center, in coordination with Health Services, is reporting four (4) new cases of COVID-19 in Akwesasne’s southern portion. Two (2) of the new cases are children under the age of 12, who are too young to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The new cases combine to make six (6) total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction, which is the largest number of cases reported in 87 days (since May 12, 2021). Through contact tracing, twenty (20) family members and friends are remaining at home in quarantine and being monitored by public health.
With more cases being reported this past week among children, the EOC and Health Services are highly urging individuals over the age of 12-years old to get the COVID-19 Vaccine as soon as possible -- either Pfizer for 12 to 17-year olds or Moderna for 18 years or older. The more individuals who are vaccinated, the less likely the virus can keep mutating into more resistant and more transmissible variants, such as the Delta Variant that now accounts for around 90% of new cases in New York State.
As a reminder, all unvaccinated individuals are still required to wear a mask indoors at public places, as well as outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Regardless of your vaccination status however, masks must still be worn by all individuals inside all tribal buildings and facilities. When properly worn, masks prevent the virus from spreading to vulnerable individuals; such as our children, elders, and those with immunocompromised medical conditions.
Over the past few months, some protective measures have been eased in response to several months of low case counts; including the travel radius and travel-related quarantine requirements, outdoor mask requirements, outdoor gathering limits, curfews, business hours-of-operation, and other safety protocols. In the event that cases increase with uncontrolled community spread and variants play a large role, the EOC will respond accordingly and reimplement safety requirements.
Please get vaccinated to protect yourself and others! Health Services is holding Open Walk-In Vaccine Clinics every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the former-IGA Building located at 850 State Route 37 in Akwesasne. All individuals ages 12 years or older can attend, but keep in mind that minors require a parent to be present. Individuals can also schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine by calling Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services at (518) 358-3141.
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