Tribal EOC Reports 10 New COVID-19 Cases: 33 Total Active
Dec 9, 2021
AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center and Health Services reported an increase in COVID-19 cases, with ten (10) new positive cases. They are pleased to report that three (3) community members have been released from isolation, but 33 total active cases remain in Akwesasne’s southern portion. There is no update on yesterday’s report of 19 family members and friends in quarantine. Unfortunately, one (1) more community member was hospitalized due to severe symptoms -- making four (4) hospitalizations, though two (2) of them are not considered active cases and remain under the hospital’s care. We extend them and anyone who continues to be impacted by the virus our best wishes for a safe recovery.
In comparison to last year, there were three (3) total active cases at this time in 2020, so the large number of cases reported today is concerning going into the holiday season. As a result, we kindly ask individuals to please stay in your immediate bubble, social distance, wear a mask in public places, wash your hands often, and please stay home if you are sick.
COVID-19 HOME TEST KITS:
The Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services will be conducting additional distributions of the COVID-19 Home Test Kits during the month of December. Community members will receive either the BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Self-Kit or the QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test. They are being provided at no cost on Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the clinic’s testing garage located at 404 State Route 37. Please use the gravel road located across from McGee Road to access the garage.
The home test kits should only be used if you are symptomatic (displaying symptoms). Read the full instructions prior to use and DO NOT leave them in vehicles, as cold temperatures will affect accuracy of results. Retain the test kit, as positive results will require information listed on the package. If positive, isolate and notify SRMT Contact Tracers at (518) 333-0230, Franklin County Public Health at (518) 481-1710, or St. Lawrence County Public Health at (315) 386-2325. If negative and still symptomatic, wear a mask and administer a second test 24 to 36 hours after the initial test.
COVID-19 TESTING CLINICS:
Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is conducting COVID-19 PCR testing on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at their main campus located at 404 State Route 37. Please use the road located across from McGee Road and follow the signs for testing garage.
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 to Akwesasne residents and employees however, requests to receive a Rapid Test is at the individual’s expense. Rapid Tests conducted by Mountain Medical cost $52.
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.
COVID-19 PEDIATRIC VACCINATION CLINIC:
Health Services is holding more Pediatric Pfizer Vaccination Clinics for kids ages 5 to 11-years old at their main campus located at 404 State Route 37. The vaccine clinics are for Akwesasne or tribally enrolled children and will be held on Tuesday, December 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday, December 22nd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will be a walk-in clinic, but appointments are preferred by calling (518) 358-3142.
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS:
Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is holding an Open Walk-in Vaccine Clinic every Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the former-IGA Building, located at 850 State Route 37. Individuals 12-years old or more can attend to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Booster shots are also available for 18+ and must be received no sooner than six (6) months after the initial two-shot series.
The COVID-19 Vaccine is also available during scheduled medical appointments at Health Services and from healthcare providers and pharmacies outside of Akwesasne. 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.
PLEASE STAY SAFE!
COVID-19 symptoms include, but are not limited to; diarrhea, fever/chills, headaches and body aches, cough, nausea and vomiting, fever, and/or a loss of taste or smell. Don’t assume it is allergies or just a sore throat. Please isolate at home if you have symptoms and get tested to know for sure!
#####