Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center and Health Services reported four (4) new cases of COVID-19 today in Akwesasne’s southern portion. They are pleased that four (4) community members have been released from isolation, but there remain 29 total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. There are three (3) individuals hospitalized, but not considered active cases due to the amount of time under the hospital’s care. There are also 29 family members and friends in quarantine at home to prevent further spread. We wish them all a safe and symptom-free recovery.

In response to the large number of cases in the community, the EOC and Health Services provide the following update today for individuals to keep in mind:

There is no walk-in vaccination clinic at the former-IGA Building on Wednesday, December 22nd. There will be a Pediatric Vaccinations Clinic on December 22nd for kids ages 5 to 11-years old at Health Services main campus at State Route 37 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This will be a walk-in clinic, but appointments are preferred by calling (518) 358-3142.

(Updates provided above are included in the following bulletin):

COVID-19 HOME TEST KITS:

The Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is distributing COVID-19 Home Test Kits at no cost on Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the clinic’s testing garage located at 404 State Route 37. Community members will receive either the BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Self Kit or the QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test. Please use the gravel road located across from McGee Road.

Health Services is kindly reminding individuals who received a COVID-19 Home Test Kit to only use them if you are symptomatic (displaying symptoms). Please read the full instructions prior to use and DO NOT leave them in vehicles, as cold temperatures will affect the accuracy of test results. Also, please retain the test kit, as positive results will require the lot number listed on the package.

If positive, please isolate at home away from others and notify SRMT Contact Tracers at (518) 333-0230, Franklin County Public Health at (518) 481-1710, or St. Lawrence County Public Health at (315) 386-2325. It is important that you please self-report your positive results to track transmissions and prevent any further community spread of the virus. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

If negative and still symptomatic, please isolate at home, wear a mask, and administer a second test 24 to 36 hours after the initial test.

COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS:

The Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is holding a Pediatric Pfizer Vaccination Clinic for kids ages 5 to 11-years old at their main campus located at 404 State Route 37 on December 22nd from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This will be a walk-in clinic, but appointments are preferred by calling (518) 358-3142.

With the exception of December 22nd, Health Services is holding an Open Walk-in Vaccine Clinic tomorrow on Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the former-IGA Building, located at 850 State Route 37. Individuals 12-years old or more can attend to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Booster shots are also available for 18+ and must be received no sooner than six (6) months after the initial two-shot series.

The COVID-19 Vaccine is also available during scheduled medical appointments at Health Services and from healthcare providers and pharmacies outside of Akwesasne. Community members who receive vaccinations outside of Akwesasne are asked to please call the Tribe’s Outreach Program at (518) 333-0230 to have it documented with the tribal clinic.

COVID-19 TESTING CLINICS:

Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is conducting COVID-19 PCR testing on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at their main campus located at 404 State Route 37. Please use the road located across from McGee Road and follow the signs for testing garage.

Akwesasne residents and employees can also schedule a FREE 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 the weekends 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

The COVID-19 PCR Test is free to Akwesasne residents and employees however, requests to receive a Rapid Test is at the individual’s expense. Rapid Tests conducted by Mountain Medical cost $52.

Due to the increase in cases across New York State, including the North Country, please allow 3 to 5 days to receive PCR test results. Until results are known, please quarantine at home and do not travel.

PLEASE STAY SAFE!

We kindly remind you to please treat everyone as if they are positive -- wash your hands often, avoid uncontrolled gatherings, social distance, stay in your immediate bubble, and stay home if you are sick. More importantly, get vaccinated and wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in all public places.

We ask that if you are in a local business and notice someone improperly or not wearing a mask to kindly remind them that it is required under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. As community members, we all need to do our part to keep Akwesasne safe and healthy. If assistance is required, please contact Tribal Police at (518) 358-9200 or the Compliance Department at (518) 358-2273.

COVID-19 symptoms include, but are not limited to; diarrhea, fever/chills, headaches and body aches, cough, nausea and vomiting, fever, and/or a loss of taste or smell. Don’t assume it is allergies or just a sore throat. Please isolate at home if you have symptoms and get tested to know for sure!