“Individuals are highly urged to please treat everyone as if they are positive and remain in your immediate household bubble”.
(Updated 1:02 PM, Wednesday, September 22, 2021) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Health Services reported three (3) new positive cases of COVID-19 yesterday in Akwesasne’s southern portion. Two (2) community members have resolved however, there remains 27 total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. There is no update on the 94 family members and friends in quarantine at home.
According to a release issued by the SRMT, 94 family members and friends have been identified through contract tracing and are currently in quarantine.
Please Stay Home
Those individuals who received isolation or quarantine orders are required to stay at home until released by public health. For community members who are under the Tribe’s jurisdiction and require basic food items, they can reach out to the Office of the Family Advocate at (518) 358-3021. They can also contact the staff directly by calling Everett Lazore at (518) 333-8450, Kerry Jacobs at (518) 651-9150, or Crystal Stehlin at (518) 651-1435.
The Tribe’s Health services team is recommending that due to the large increase in quarantined cases, individuals are highly urged to please treat everyone as if they are positive and remain 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.” – HS
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Several week’s ago, the Tribe announced that it would be giving individuals over the age of 18 who choose to get vaccinated, 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.
You will only be eligible to receive the casino gift certificates and Walmart gift card if you are newly vaccinated. However, individuals who previously received the COVID-19 vaccine are automatically eligible to receive a monetary prize at two vaccination milestones.
Five $1,000 ‘Milestone Incentive Drawings’ will be conducted when the Tribe’s vaccination rate reaches 50% and 60%.
Individuals that want 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.
COVID-19 Testing Available
Community members that suspect an exposure to a positive case and are waiting to be notified from public health, must self-quarantine and are urged to get tested no sooner than seven days following the event. It’s important to self-monitor for early symptoms that may include diarrhea, fever, cough, tiredness, or loss of taste or smell.
The 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, PCR test results could take up to three to five days.
As COVID -19 continues to spread, the issue of mental health remains a challenge for many individuals. 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 and trained staff at the Tribe’s Mental Health Services are available to provide support.
