AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Health Services reported 13 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend in Akwesasne’s southern portion. They are pleased that three (3) community members have resolved however, there remains 26 total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. Through contact tracing, 94 family members and friends are in quarantine at home to prevent any further community spread. Please be kind and wish them all a safe recovery.
Due to the large increase in quarantined cases, individuals are highly urged to please treat everyone as if they are positive and stay in your immediate household bubble. If you travel in the community, please wear a mask properly in all public places and when social distancing is not possible; wash your hands often; avoid large gatherings and poorly ventilated spaces; stay home if you are sick; and please choose to get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!
Those individuals who received isolation or quarantine orders are required to stay at home until released by public health. If you are under the Tribe’s jurisdiction and require basic food items, please contact the Office of the Family Advocate at (518) 358-3021. You may also contact their staff directly by calling Everett Lazore at (518) 333-8450, Kerry Jacobs at (518) 651-9150, or Crystal Stehlin at (518) 651-1435.
Trained staff at the Tribe’s Mental Health Services are also available to provide support. If you or a loved one need someone to talk to, please contact Mental Health at (518) 358-3145 or call their After-Hours Crisis Center at (518) 651-4475. It is okay to not be okay and there is always someone here to help.
COVID-19 TESTING:
If you suspect exposure to a positive case and awaiting notification from public health, please self-quarantine and get tested 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.
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. Please use the road located across from McGee Road and follow the signs for testing garage.
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 VACCINATIONS:
Individuals who choose to be vaccinated can attend the Open Walk-In Vaccine Clinic being held on Wednesday, September 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the former-IGA Building. Vaccination appointments can also be scheduled directly with Health Services by calling in advance at (518) 358-3141.
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.
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%.
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