AKWESASNE — This morning, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center was notified of a positive case of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) in Franklin County. The Franklin County Department of Public Health notes that the subject is a resident of Franklin County and has been under quarantine since March 21st. The County Public Health is conducting an investigation to determine where the individual was exposed and whom they contacted prior to being quarantined.
“The Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center remains in constant contact with it’s emergency response partners, including local health agencies, and will continue to share updates as they become available. In the meantime, the EOC continues to ask individuals to please practice social distancing and to self-quarantine if you traveled outside of a 50-mile radius of the Akwesasne community,” said SRMT Emergency Management and Safety Director Derek Comins.
Below is some helpful information and preventive measures you can take to help “Flatten the Curve” regarding COVID-19:
How can you be infected?
- Coronavirus can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Because these droplets can travel up to six feet, public health experts advise maintaining six feet of distance from others.
- The virus can also remain on a surface or object and enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. This is why it is important to wash your hands before touching your face.
How long does it take to show symptoms after being infected?
- It takes 2 to 14 days to develop symptoms after exposure to the virus. The average is about 5 days.
What are the symptoms?
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
When should you seek testing?
- If you are exhibiting symptoms
- If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus
- If you have recently traveled to one of the high-risk areas experiencing an outbreak
What are some preventive measures you can take to keep yourself and our community safe?
- Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid physical contact like handshakes and hugs
- Stay home if you feel sick
- Avoid large crowds
- Abstain from unnecessary travel
- Practice social distancing—stay 6 feet from other people.
PLEASE CALL FIRST! – DO NOT VISIT!
MEDICAL CENTERS
- SRMT Medical Outreach Services: (518) 358-3141 Ext. 7130
- MCA Community Health Program: (613) 575-2341 Ext. 3220
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTERS:
- SRMT EOC: (518) 320-0019
- MCA EOC: (613) 575-5005 or (613) 575-2331
CORONAVIRUS QUESTIONS HOTLINES:
- Franklin County Emergency Services COVID-19 Hotline: (518) 481-1111
- (medical questions) Alice Hyde Medical Center: (518) 481-2700
- NYS Department of Health COVID-19 24/7 Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
- Eastern Ontario Health Unit: 1-800-267-7120
For more information and preventive measures regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus), please visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s website at www.cdc.gov and the New York State Department of Health at www.health.ny.gov.
For local updates, please follow the Tribe and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Facebook page and visit their websites at www.srmt-nsn.gov and www.akwesase.ca, as well as listen to 97.3fm.
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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.