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Srmt Building Logo 4X6 1

March 25, 2020 - SRMT State of Emergency Operational Briefing

Mar 25, 2020

(as of 4:00pm) In response to the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Pandemic, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe continues to implement protective measures to ensure the ongoing health, safety and well-being of the Akwesasne community at-large. To follow are the latest measures and protocols we are taking in coordination with the SRMT Emergency Operations Center. For any emergency-related matters, please call the EOC at (518) 320-0019 or email eoc@srmt-nsn.gov.

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DO NOT VISIT – PLEASE CALL FIRST

TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:

COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH — This morning, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center was notified of confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) in Franklin County and St. Lawrence 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, while the other confirmed case is a patient from St. Lawrence County. Both cases are being investigated to determine exposure and whom they contacted prior to being quarantined. No additional information is being released at this time due to patient privacy laws. Individuals to asked to practice social distancing and to self-quarantine if you traveled outside of a 50-mile radius of the Akwesasne community.

MENTAL HEALTH —We are asking anyone in need of mental health services to contact us. We are able to provide Services by phone or video chat. Please feel free to call the office at (518) 358-3145 from 9:00am to 5:00pm from Monday thru Friday. For after-hours crisis, please call (518) 651-9981. Take care of yourselves and know that it is a sign of strength to ask for help.

WALKING TRAIL — Please keep a safe distance between others—at least 6 feet—when using the Tewathahitha Walking Trail or walking elsewhere in the community, such as cycling, hiking or other outdoor activities. This is to prevent any possible transmission of COVID-19 between people. Individuals may appear healthy and not exhibit symptoms, but we can still carry any unwanted diseases home to their families and into the community at-large. Reminder that all activities at Generations Park end at 9:00pm.

2020 CENSUS -- You may have noticed a new sign along Route 37. Yes, the 2020 U.S. Census is still being conducted by mail, online, or by phone, and the information you provide is more important than ever before. An invitation to respond by these preferred methods has been mailed to households. We ask that you please complete the ten simple questions and send it back. The number of community members and households will determine resources needed to keep our community healthy and safe for the next ten years. #akwesasnecounts

PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SELF-QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT — Due to mounting concern from community members regarding vacations and other travel at this time, individuals must take after-travel precautions. Any individual, who does not exercise caution and travels outside of the 50-mile radius, MUST self-quarantine for 14 days at home. They must remain at home and avoid visiting or doing any further travel. If you traveled and begin showing symptoms, please call SRMT Community Outreach at (518) 358-3141 Ext. 7130 for remote screening.

TRIBAL CLERK — The Tribal Clerks Office will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, commencing Thursday, March 19, 2020 until Thursday, April 16, 2020 for the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. At this time, we are only issuing Tribal I.D.’s and certified letters. Appointments and walk-ins are currently NOT allowed. Please call (518) 358-2272 ext. 2191 or ext. 2183 to arrange for pick-up of an I.D. or certified letter.

WIC UPDATE — All WIC appointments will now be done remotely over the phone. No in-person appointments. For questions and concerns, please call (518) 358-3141. There are now changes to your family’s “Benefits Valid Through” date. To check your WIC benefit balance, see: WIC2Go, the mobile app – Your last store receipt – Your store’s customer service desk – Or, call customer service at 1-844-540-3031.

SOCIAL SERVICES — To ensure the safety, health and welfare of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Social Services Division Offices will be operating remotely. In the event that you need immediate assistance, please contact the Social Services Division Administration office at (518) 358-2728, weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you need assistance outside of this “in-office” timeframe, please leave a detailed message at the following: Administration: (518) 358-2728, Adult/Child Protective Services: (518) 358-9659, Akwesasne Group Home: (518) 358-9184, ICWA/Traditional Support: (518) 358-2360, Intensive Preventive Program: (518) 358-3416, and Preventive/Foster Care Services: (518) 358-4516.

EARLY LEARNING CENTER — To ensure the safety of employees, students and their families; the ELC program is no longer able to provide food delivery. Meals can still be picked up at the ELC Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To ensure that ELC is able to sustain this service, as of March 30, 2020; the meals are exclusively provided for the children enrolled in the program.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION — The Food Distribution Program has opportunities for participants to receive foods supplied by the USDA. Qualified applicants will be able to receive products such as cheese, canned vegetables, canned meats, powered milk and eggs, rice, peanut butter, canned juices, cereal, butter, frozen chicken and beef. If you are interested in applying, please call (518) 358-2272 ext. 2212 to setup an appointment. Document requirements include verification of income, self-employment, residence, identity, and student financial assistance.

TRANSFER STATION — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Transfer Station is still open for regular hours. Beginning on Monday, March 23rd the Transfer Station will operate on reduced days. They will be open to the public on Monday/Tuesday & Friday/Saturday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

TRIBAL MEETINGS—The Monthly Tribal Meeting scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2020 has been canceled, as well as Tribal Council’s Wednesday’s Work Sessions until further notice.

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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES:

COVID-19 SELF CHECKER — An online assessment is available to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. This system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or other conditions, including COVID-19. This system is intended only for people who are currently located in the United States. To use the Coronavirus Self-Cheker please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html?fbclid=IwAR1PDom5GwSuMshNMDZzF_dKlo9jl-VEcaiW-Jfg9gR9jq2mHZ7G4p8T700

HYPER-REACH — Please register to receive Franklin County Emergency Notifications to your cell phone by voice and text. This program will notify you in the event of an emergency in your area. There is already an existing program that notifies landline phones, so there is no need to register for that program. Please take a moment to fill out the form and Hyper-Reach will notify you in the event of local emergencies or community alerts. To register, please see https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignup.jsp?id=15681

RUMOR CONTROL — Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Do your part to stop the spread of disinformation by doing 3 easy things; don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along and go to trusted sources to get the facts and info. FEMA created a page to help distinguish between rumors and facts about the Coronavirus Pandemic at www.fema.gov/coronavirus

COVID-19 QUESTIONS? — New York State Department of Health has a 24/7 Coronavirus Hotline to any question you may have at 1-888-364-3065 (toll free). Real questions deserve real answers, so please share this number with anyone who wants to know more about the disease.

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EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:

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:
--U.S. Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov --NYS Department of Health: www.health.ny.gov
--United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc.: www.usetinc.org
--Indian Health Service: www.ihs.gov

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RELEVANT PRESS RELEASES & NOTICES:

Tribe responds to First Positive COVID-19 Case in Franklin County — March 25, 2020

SRMT State of Emergency Operational Briefing — March 24, 2020

SRMT & MCA Emphasize Self-Quarantine Requirement — March 24, 2020

Social Services Division Operational Changes—March 23, 2020

March 19, 2020 - SRMT State of Emergency Operational Briefing — March 19, 2020

State of Emergency Travel Protocol — March 19, 2020

Tribal Council Issues Protocols for Businesses and Community Members — March 18, 2020

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe & Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Declare State of Emergency — March 16, 2020

SRMT & MCA Joint COVID-19 Informational Briefing — March 14, 2020

SRMT & MCA Joint COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Informational Briefing—March 14, 2020

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Implements (Employee) Travel Restriction — March 11, 2020

Family Support Program Implements Screening Process—March 10, 2020

SRMT & MCA Joint COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Informational Briefing—March 6, 2020

SRMT & MCA Joint COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Informational Briefing—March 4, 2020

What You Should Know About the Novel Coronavirus 2019 — February 27, 2020

For a listing of previous closures, changes and other measures being taken to safeguard the health of our community members, please visit the Tribe’s Facebook page or check our website at www.srmt-nsn.gov.

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.