Masks Required In Akwesasne As COVID-19 Cases Rise

Aug 19, 2021

As of 12:00 a.m. Friday, August 20, 2021, both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a mask in all public indoor places within the Tribe’s jurisdiction, including at local businesses and workplaces.

This decision from the SRMT Emergency Operations Center (EOC) comes as COVID-19 cases increase in Akwesasne, and surge across the country. Recent local cases have tested positive for the Delta Variant, a mutation of COVID-19 that more seriously affects youth who aren't yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.

“The reinstatement of the community indoor mask requirement is a necessary response to the serious developments with the Delta variant within Akwesasne and throughout the US and beyond” stated EOC officials. "Wearing a mask helps protect those who cannot receive the vaccine due to age or health conditions."

Masks protect your friends and family, community and hard-working essential staff. Until more community members get vaccinated, people are still encouraged to wear masks any time social distancing is not possible, as it is a simple, yet effective safety measure to help prevent the spread of the virus, as well as practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is holding the next Open Walk-In Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday, August 25th, 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, with parent/guardian presence required for minors. Individuals can also schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine by calling Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services at (518) 358-3141.

If you have a non-emergency matter, please call the Emergency Operations Center at (518) 320-0019; Monday-Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m