AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Health Services reported three (3) new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. They are pleased to report that two (2) community members have been released from isolation, but there remains seven (7) total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. One additional community member was hospitalized due to severe symptoms -- making two (2) hospitalizations. There are also 12 family members and friends in quarantine at home to prevent any further transmissions. We send them our thoughts and prayers.
If you suspect exposure to a positive case or haven’t been practicing safety measures, you should self-quarantine and get a PCR test no sooner than seven (7) days following the event. Watch for symptoms that include diarrhea, fever/chills, headaches and body aches, cough, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, and/or a loss of taste or smell. If any of these symptoms develop, please call your healthcare provider for guidance. Please do not drive to the clinic or hospital with calling first.
With Halloween this coming weekend and community spread continuing to take place, individuals are being encouraged to please remain vigilant. Prior to Halloween last year, we had 15 positive cases in a seven (7) month period -- followed by 55 new cases in one month after Halloween. So, please treat everyone as if they are positive; wear a mask in all public places, wash your hands often, avoid large gatherings and uncontrolled environments where there are no safety measures, 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 this Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the former-IGA Building, located at 850 State Route 37 in Akwesasne. Beginning on November 3rd, vaccine clinic hours will change to 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
This is the final week for individuals who are 18 years or more and choose to get vaccinated to 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. The next drawing for five (5) $1,000 Milestone Vaccine Incentives will take place when the rate reaches 55% and at every 5% increment thereafter. As of October 14th, the current vaccination rate is 52.2%.
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.
COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTERS:
Vaccine booster shots will be available for individuals who completed their initial two-shot series at least six (6) months ago. Similar to the rollout in January 2021; seniors who are 65-years old or more and individuals with immunocompromised medical conditions will be given priority status. Those who are eligible can add their name and be contacted for scheduling an appointment by calling (518) 333-0230.
PFIZER PEDIATRIC APPOINTMENTS:
Health Services will begin receiving doses of the Pfizer Vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11-years old. This is on a first come first serve basis, so parents are encouraged to call ahead and schedule an appointment by calling (518) 333-0230. Smaller doses will be administered using smaller needles to make it easier for pediatricians and nurses to provide shots. Please keep in mind that a parent or guardian must be present for a minor’s vaccination.
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