AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Health Services reported two (2) new positive COVID-19 cases in Akwesasne’s southern portion. We are pleased that two community members have been released from isolation however, there remain 23 total active cases and two (2) hospitalizations under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. There are also 22 family members and friends in quarantine at home to prevent any further community spread.
With the large number of positive cases during the past two months, there has also been an increase in requests for COVID-19 testing. There are currently two types of tests being provided through Health Services: Rapid and PCR. Rapid tests should be only requested if an individual is displaying symptoms--else risk a false negative result. PCR tests however, are highly accurate and considered the “gold standard” of COVID-19 testing. Due to demand, PCR results may take 3 to 5 days.
As a reminder, contact tracers have been very busy following-up on exposures and providing notifications, so if you suspect exposure to a positive case please self-quarantine and monitor symptoms. Self-monitor for symptoms that include diarrhea, fever, cough, tiredness, or loss of taste or smell. If any of these symptoms develop, please call your healthcare provider for guidance. Do not drive to the clinic.
Please treat everyone as if they are positive, 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.
COVID-19 TESTING CENTERS:
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 vaccination milestones. Five (5) $1,000 Milestone Incentive Drawings will be conducted when the Tribe’s vaccination rate reaches 50% and at every 5% increment thereafter. With the current vaccination rate of 50.6%, the first drawing will take place on Wednesday, October 13th at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and will be streamed live on Akwesasne TV’s and the Tribe’s Facebook pages.
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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