AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Health Services reported 14 new positive COVID-19 cases since last Friday in Akwesasne’s southern portion. They are pleased that 14 individuals have been released from isolation, but there remain 28 total active cases in Akwesasne’s southern portion. There is also one (1) hospitalization due to severe symptoms and 15 family members and friends in quarantine at home following public health guidance. We wish them all a safe recovery and urge everyone to please choose to get vaccinated.
This morning, the Tribe’s EOC received notification of limited beds available in hospitals throughout the region. As a result, individuals are asked to please plan accordingly and be safe. Please wear a mask in all public places, wash your hands often, avoid large gatherings, social distance, stay in your immediate bubble, and stay home if you are sick. Please treat everyone as if they are positive.
Tribal members are encouraged to access the Tribal Members Portal and watch the October 2nd Tribal Meeting Video. During “New Business”, Dr. Imre Rainey-Spence and Nurse Allena Jacobs shared their experiences working in the COVID-19 Ward at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. They shared information on the dangers associated with the Delta Variant and corrected misinformation on social media.
COVID-19 TESTING CENTERS:
If you suspect exposure to a positive case and awaiting notification from public health, please self-quarantine and get a PCR Test no sooner than seven (7) days following the event. Self-monitor for early symptoms that include diarrhea, fever, cough, tiredness, or loss of taste or smell. If any of these symptoms develop, please contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
The PCR Test is free however, requests to receive a Rapid Test is at the individual’s expense. Rapid Tests should only be taken if you symptomatic. If you are displaying symptoms, you should get a Rapid Test no sooner than five (5) to seven (7) days after symptoms appear.
Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is conducting COVID-19 PCR Test Collection Clinics from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at their main campus located at 404 State Route 37. Please use the gravel road located across from McGee Road and follow the signs.
Akwesasne residents and employees can also schedule a 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 Saturday and Sunday 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
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 VACCINATION CLINICS:
Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is holding an Open COVID-19 Walk-In Vaccination Clinic every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the former-IGA Building, located at 850 State Route 37 in Akwesasne. Individuals who choose to be vaccinated to wear a mask, a short-sleeved shirt, and be prepared to wait 15 minutes after receiving their shot
Those who are 18 years or more and choose to get vaccinated will receive a $100 gift certificate from the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort. The gift certificates are being provided to tribal members and employees of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, or tribal enterprises for each dose received. The gift certificates can be redeemed at the casino for cash, while individuals under 18 years will receive a $100 Walmart gift card.
The casino gift certificates and Walmart gift card will be provided for new vaccinations only. Individuals who previously received the COVID-19 Vaccine are automatically eligible to receive a monetary prize at two vaccination milestones. Five (5) $1,000 Milestone Incentive Drawings will be conducted when the Tribe’s vaccination rate reaches 50% and 60%.
The COVID-19 Vaccine is also available from healthcare providers and pharmacies outside of Akwesasne and can be found by texting your ZIP code to 438829, or calling 1-800-232-0233. 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.
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