AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center and Health Services reported three (3) new cases of COVID-19 yesterday in Akwesasne’s southern portion. They are pleased that two (2) community members have been released from isolation, but eleven (11) total active cases remain under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. There are also three (3) family members and friends hospitalized due to severe COVID-19 symptoms. We wish them all a safe and complication-free recovery.
Through contact tracing, there are 32 community members in quarantine and following guidance from public health to prevent further spread. During the past week, 26 people have been quarantined due to exposure with a positive case. In comparison to 2020, there were more than 100 local residents quarantined at this time, due to 55 cases reported in the month following Halloween.
As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, we kindly remind you to please treat everyone as if they are positive -- wear a mask in all public places, wash your hands often, avoid uncontrolled gatherings, social distance, stay in your immediate bubble, and stay home if you are sick. Please stay safe and get vaccinated when you have the opportunity to protect yourself, those you love, and the overall community of Akwesasne.
PFIZER PEDIATRIC APPOINTMENTS:
Health Services has begun administering doses of the Pediatric Pfizer Vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11-years old. Their second Vaccine clinic will be held Tuesday, November 23rd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at their main campus located at 404 State Route 37. This will be an open walk-in clinic, but appointments are preferred by calling (518) 358-3142. Please keep in mind that a parent or guardian must be present for a minor’s vaccination.
COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTERS:
Vaccine booster shots are available from SRMT Health Services for individuals who completed their initial two-shot series at least six (6) months ago. Similar to the rollout in January 2021; seniors who are 65-years old or more and individuals with immunocompromised medical conditions are being given priority status. Those who are currently eligible can receive their booster shot at any vaccine clinic being held by Health Services on Wednesday’s from Noon to 4:00 p.m. at the former-IGA Building. There is no need to schedule an appointment.
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS:
Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is holding an Open COVID-19 Walk-In Vaccination Clinic every Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the former-IGA Building, located at 850 State Route. Individuals who receive the COVID-19 Vaccine are automatically eligible to receive a monetary prize at each 5% increment. With the current vaccination rate of 55.1%, the next drawing for five (5) $1,000 Milestone Vaccine Incentive Winners will be held when the rate reaches 60%, so please get your shot at winning some money for the upcoming holidays.
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.
COVID-19 TESTING CLINICS:
If you suspect exposure to a positive case, get a COVID-19 PCR test no sooner than seven (7) days following the exposure, as well as self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms that include: diarrhea, fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, or difficulty breathing. The common cold, sore throat, and allergy symptoms could also be COVID-19 symptoms. If any of the above symptoms develop, please call ahead. Do not drive to the clinic or hospital with calling first.
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.
Akwesasne residents and employees can also schedule a FREE 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 the weekends 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
The COVID-19 PCR Test is free Akwesasne residents and employees however, requests to receive a Rapid Test is at the individual’s expense. Rapid Tests conducted by Mountain Medical cost $32.
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.
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