SAINT REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE AND MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE CONFIRM FOUR NEW COVID-19 CASES

AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne are confirming four (4) new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Akwesasne community.  The new cases are being reported by the Tribe’s Health Services and are in addition to the four (4) cases previously announced earlier this week. They make a cumulative total of eight (8) active cases and twelve (12) COVID-19 cases reported in Akwesasne since the start of the pandemic, with four (4) resolved. 

This information is being provided to demonstrate the urgency of continued social distancing and should not be used to judge, mistreat or slander any person or family.  We strongly advise the community to come together and show compassion for those who are ill or infected, and to unite in our strategy to keep the COVID-19 virus at bay.   

 

During this nicer weather there is a tendency to let one’s guard down, hosting gatherings, birthday parties, sports events, river and beach gatherings, or simply relaxing their preventative measures around those they feel safe.  No one is safe from the COVID-19 virus when we leave our homes; we must take extreme measures to prevent the further spread. Social distancing is urgently advised. Regular hand-washing and wearing a mask when social distancing is not possible are also essential.

 

Please remember that with the number of cases being reported in and around our community that contracting the virus can happen to anyone. We must remain vigilant and follow all protective measures being provided by both Emergency Operation Centers.

 

Community members who may have been directly exposed to a positive case will be contacted by a public health agency for contact tracing. Individuals are asked to be compassionate and honest in answering all contact tracing questions, as it is a key strategy to prevent further community spread. They are also asked to please take personal responsibility in following all instructions provided for self-isolation, which includes remaining at home.

 

If you are tested for COVID-19, isolate yourself from others. If you have symptoms or if you have been exposed to COVID-19, please self-quarantine for at least 14 days.

 

What to do if you test positive and you:

  • Have symptoms – Self-Isolate for a minimum of 14 days following the day your symptoms started.
  • Do not have symptoms – Self-isolate for 14 days following the day you were tested.
  • NOTE: If you test positive, your local public health unit will contact you. You will be asked for information to help determine who you were in contact with while you may have been contagious or where you may have acquired COVID-19. They will also advise you when you can stop self-isolating.

 

What to do if you test negative and you:

  • Had an exposure to COVID-19: self-isolate for 14 days from your last exposure, regardless of the result.
  • Have not had an exposure and are ill: self-isolate until you are feeling well.
  • Have not had an exposure and you are well: continue physical distancing. If you develop symptoms, self-isolate right away.

How to Self-Isolate:

  • Stay home.
  • Avoid contact with others – keep a 2-metre/6-feet distance.
  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • If you cannot maintain a 2-metre distance from others, wear a mask over your nose and mouth.

 

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.

 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact Akwesasne Mohawk Police Central Dispatch at 613-577-2000 or Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police at 518-358-2272.

 

If you have a non-medical emergency matter or require essential items, please call the Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center at (518) 320-0019 or MCA’s EOC at (613) 575-5005 or (613) 575-2331. They are here to help you. We are all in this together.

 

For mental health assistance, please call  (613) 575-2341 #3115 during business hours 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or the Mental Health Crisis Line at (866) 996-0991 7 days a week 24 hours a day.

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