DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REMINDS THE COMMUNITY OF COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

With COVID-19 cases rising across the US and Canada, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Department of Health would like to take the opportunity to remind our community members about the importance of taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and other seasonal illnesses.

 

Precautionary measures greatly assist in curbing the spread of COVID-19 amongst the community, and most importantly, protects against the spread of the virus amongst our elderly and vulnerable populations.

 

Whenever safely social distancing isn’t possible, please wear a mask when out in public, you’re in a clinical or long-term care setting, or are experiencing flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms. If you are exhibiting symptoms, please stay home until your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (48 hours if experiencing gastrointestinal issues).

 

Hand washing and regular use of an antibacterial hand sanitizer are also effective in preventing the spread of viruses.

 

The Akwesasne Medical Clinic and Kawehno:ke Medical Clinic have reinstated a medical mask mandate when entering the clinic facilities. Any community members entering the clinics will also be asked questions from the COVID-19 screener, and your temperature will be taken upon entering. These precautions are for the protection of other patients in the waiting areas and prevention of the further spreading of flus, viruses, and other illnesses.

 

For any community members who are experiencing flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms, please refer to the public health guidance below.

 

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms (even if mild):

  • Fever (37.8˚ C or higher) and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Decreased or loss of taste or smell
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Headache
  • Extreme fatigue or tiredness
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches or joint pain
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as vomiting or diarrhea)

 

It is recommended that you stay home (self-isolate) while you are sick. This means:

  • Staying home until you have no fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea).
  • After isolating, wear a well-fitted, high quality mask when out in public for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
  • Avoid non-essential visits to vulnerable individuals (e.g. seniors) and highest risk settings (e.g., hospitals, long-term care) for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
  • Follow this advice whether you have tested with a Rapid Antigen Test for COVID-19 or not.

 

If you tested positive for COVID-19, but do not have any symptoms, you are not required to self-isolate.  You should self-monitor for symptoms and self-isolate if symptoms develop. Wear a well-fitted, high quality mask when in public settings, especially if they are crowded or have poor ventilation, and avoid non-essential visits to vulnerable individuals (e.g. seniors) and high risk settings for 10 days from your positive test date.

 

Individuals with a weak immune system should isolate for at least 10 days (from symptom onset or positive test date) regardless if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

 

For more information please contact MCA Community Health Services at 613-575-2341 ext. 3220.

 

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