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Srmt Building Logo 4X6

SRMT Emergency Operations Center Issues ‘Mask Directive’

Apr 22, 2020

AKWESASNE — Pursuant to Tribal Council Resolution 2020-23, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is taking further action to protect community members and prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) in Akwesasne. The Tribe’s EOC announced a new directive that takes effect on Thursday, April 23rd at 8:00 a.m. and requires a face covering be worn at public places under the Tribe’s jurisdiction where social distancing is not possible, which is defined as being at least 6 feet away from others.

The tribal directive was implemented in coordination with local health officials and supports New York Executive Order No. 202.17 that became effective on Friday, April 17th. Community members who travel outside of the Tribe’s jurisdiction will also be required to wear a mask or face covering to enter retail and grocery stores, or other public places outside of Akwesasne.

These can be cloth face coverings and not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. It can be a scarf, bandana or made out of common household materials. There is guidance on how to make your own face covering on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov.

To help you wear a mask or face covering properly, please follow these steps:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before you put on the mask.
  • If the mask has ties or elastic bands, secure the bottom first under your neck and tie behind your head or wrap around your ear. The pull the mask by the upper ties over your mouth and nose before securing.
  • Make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask. It needs to fit snug.
  • When you wear the mask or face covering, assume that the outside is contaminated, so refrain from touching it. If you do, repeat the process of washing your hands.
  • When you remove the mask from your face, wash your hands with soap and water.
  • You should always wear a clean mask, so wash your mask or face covering every time in hot water and regular detergent. Never microwave your mask, as some may contain a wire that can start a fire.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) respectfully asks that all individuals comply with the mask directive to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) in the Akwesasne community.

For any COVID-19 related emergency matters in Akwesasne, please call the Tribe’s EOC at (518) 320-0019 or the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s EOC at (613) 575-5005 or (613) 575-2331.

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