AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is reporting no new active cases of COVID-19 today — holding the number of total active cases at fifteen (15) under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. The surge in cases continues to increase around Akwesasne, so individuals are urged to exercise caution during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving Gathering Recommendations
Prior to the Halloween weekend, the EOC reported 15 positive cases in the period of seven months. Since Halloween, a significant community spread of the virus continues to take place, with 55 additional cases reported in less than a month. With Thanksgiving just two days away, individuals are strongly urged to not make this holiday another community spreader event.
It is highly recommended that you limit the Thanksgiving celebration to only the people you live with. By limiting your interaction to only members of the same household, you are helping efforts to keep you, your family, and the Akwesasne community safe and healthy this holiday.
If you plan to enjoy the holiday meal with members of other households, here are some ideas being recommended to make it safe for everyone.
- Host a virtual Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends using ZOOM, Skype, or other social meeting platform;
- Arrange a potluck-style Thanksgiving dinner and safely share dishes by leaving them on the porch for everyone to enjoy at their own household;
- Or, postpone your Thanksgiving dinner until it is safe to resume in-person gatherings, as giving thanks is done every day;
- For more ideas and safety recommendations, please see the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s guidance on “Celebrating Thanksgiving” at www.cdc.gov.
SRMT COVID-19 Vaccine Readiness Survey
With progress being made on several COVID-19 vaccines, the Tribe’s Health Services launched a community survey to help determine individual’s willingness to be vaccinated. You can take the survey by clicking on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DNRH57B
COVID-19 Testing Availability
Akwesasne residents and non-member employees of local businesses and schools may schedule an appointment to receive a FREE COVID-19 Test by contacting Mountain Medical Services at: (518) 521-3322 in Malone or (315) 705-0700 in Massena. Individuals must call ahead to schedule an appointment — Do not drive to test site without an appointment.
If you have a non-medical emergency matter or require essential items, please call the Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center at (518) 320-0019.
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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.