Another active case of COVID-19 has been confirmed by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe(SRMT) and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne(MCA). According to a joint press release issued by both MCA and SRMT, the new case stems from island camp gatherings that took place on Friday, Ohiarihkó:wa/July 10th. The outing entailed a pontoon ride and camp parties with an asymptomatic non-resident, who subsequently transmitted the virus to a young community member.
The fourth positive case now makes eight total confirmed cases, and are said to be the only active cases being reported in Franklin County, all are currently being investigated by the County’s Public Health Department in conjunction with the Tribe’s Health Services.
All four community members are currently in self-isolation at home to prevent any further transmission of the virus. They are following all the protective measures prescribed by health officials, as well as helping with the process of contact tracing. Any individuals contacted by either public health facility are asked to fully cooperate and follow instructions provided.
No additional information is being released at this time due to patient privacy laws.
The joint statement reads; “the initial transmission from an asymptomatic non-resident is an example of not exercising social distancing or wearing a mask in social situations. Since that transmission, three subsequent community transmissions have taken place, with a child contracting the virus and transmitting it to older family members. It is an example that we are all susceptible to the virus regardless of age.”
The SRMT and MCA are reminding community members that the global pandemic is on-going and that the coronavirus is now among us. They ask everyone to remain vigilant and encourage parents to please discuss safety measures with their children, which includes keeping a daily log of personal interactions.
All community members are asked to exercise social responsibility in ensuring the overall health and safety of the community. Please practice the following protective measures:
- Please refrain from having close contact with individuals who are not members of your immediate household;
- Please wear a mask when social distancing is not possible, which is maintaining a distance of at least six (6) feet from others;
- Please social distance on land and on water—do not lash boats together or park next to another boat at a beach;
- Please do not gather in large groups at private camps and residences for graduation, birthday parties or ceremonies;
- Please do not travel to Akwesasne from beyond the 100-mile travel radius in the United States or 50 miles in Canada;
- Please ensure any visitors from out of town self-quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival to ensure the safety of our community, possibly longer if exhibiting symptoms; and
- Please do not travel within the community if you are self-isolating of self-quarantining.
** Symptoms associated with the Coronavirus include a sustained temperature reading of 100.4 degrees or more, coughing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. If you have these symptoms, please call the Tribe’s Medical Clinic at (518) 358-3141 Ext. 7130 or MCA’s Community Health at (613) 575-2341 Ext. 3220. PLEASE REMEMBER TO CALL FIRST. **
