MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE & SAINT REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE EMPHASIZE SELF-QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT

On March 16, 2020, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe declared a State of Emergency. Since that time, both of our councils have received, and continue to receive, serious concerns from community members about travel outside of Akwesasne by others and the NEED for those community members who return to Akwesasne to self-quarantine. This includes those returning from ironwork, post-secondary studies, vacation, and from any location outside of the 50-mile radius for any reason, including release from incarceration.

“The Tribe issued a Travel Protocol in response to community members taking vacations and participating in non-essential travel. We want to emphasize that there should be no unnecessary travel outside our immediate area,” stated SRMT Tribal Chief Beverly Cook. Chief Cook emphasized, “Those that have made the personal decision to do so, need to exercise precaution and self-quarantine themselves for 14 days. Everyone needs to take this situation as serious as they’ve ever been about their loved one’s lives and well-being.”

During the self-quarantine, stay away from sick people and do not visit other people, particularly the vulnerable members of our community — such as our Elders and those with underlying medical conditions. Throughout the self-quarantine period, you should monitor your symptoms 3 times per day, which includes taking your temperature and keeping an eye out for a sustained 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. Remember to call first.

“Please know that this is an unprecedented and extraordinary time that requires difficult decisions and measures to be taken, for the Tribe and MCA, but also for yourself and your families,” shared Tribal Chief Eric Thompson. “The Coronavirus is affecting every aspect of our lives. In response, both organizations have activated their Emergency Operations Centers to help all of us get through this together,” added Chief Thompson.

For any emergency-related matters, please contact one of the Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) if you or a family member require any emergency supplies. The Tribe’s EOC can be reached at (518) 320-0019 and MCA’s EOC can be reached at (613) 575-5005 or (613) 575-2331. Please write these numbers down and keep them handy.

“Now is not the time to panic, but to practice common sense and follow the preventative measures being recommended,” said Tribal Chief Michael Conners. Chief Conners noted, “You can still travel for essential items, such as groceries or to refill prescriptions, but please consider sending only one person and practice social distancing. The sooner we can help “Flatten the Curve” the sooner we can all return to our normal lives.”

Both councils know that there are a lot of questions and concerns about the Coronavirus. Community members are encouraged to call the NYS Department of Health’s 24/7 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 1-800-267-7120 from 8:00 am- 8:00 pm for any questions you may have. No question is insignificant.

MCA Grand Chief Abram Benedict stated, “This is an important message and both councils wanted to reach out to the community together to stress the importance of self-quarantining for any community member who is returning to Akwesasne. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about the safety of the whole community, and especially our most vulnerable. We are strongest when we all work together.”

In that regard, everyone should be actively practicing prevention in terms of frequently washing your hands for 20 seconds at a time, socially distancing yourself from others, and for those who are returning from travel outside the 50-mile radius, self-quarantining for 14 days.

Both councils and their EOCs will continue to monitor the situation and will share updates as they become available. Please continue to listen to CKON, follow our Facebook pages, and visit our websites.

Niawen:kowa/Thank you very much to the medical professionals, emergency response personnel, and local businesses who have voluntarily closed and/or made adjustments to continue making their essential services available for the Akwesasne community.

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