Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

01.05. 22. AKWESASNE. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Emergency Operations Center and Health Services reported seven (7) new cases of COVID-19 in Akwesasne's southern portion today. There currently isn't an update on how many community members have been released from isolation, but there remain 86 total active cases under the Tribe's jurisdiction. There are three (3) individuals hospitalized, but two are not considered active cases due to the amount of time under the hospital's care. We wish them all a safe recovery.

PLEASE STAY SAFE!

The EOC wants to remind everyone that visiting places where you do not know the vaccinations status of visitors and visiting places that do not enforce mask wearing or social distancing is the highest risk area for contracting the COVID-19 virus. Masks should be worn properly covering both mouth and nose. For the best protection, the EOC also recommends that everyone wears either N-95 or KN-95 masks. It is the responsibility of everyone to follow the all safety guidance to keep our families and community protected.

Please remember to follow all COVID-19 safety precautions -- 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.

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!

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 or Rapid Molecular test (while supplies last) 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

While rapid COVID-19 tests are now available at no cost, the SRMT EOC and Health Services strongly advises that PCR tests are the most accurate, and that rapid molecular tests should only be utilized when displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

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.

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 Tuesdays 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.

Health Services is holding an Open Walk-in Vaccine Clinic on Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 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 16+ 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 HOME TEST KITS:

The Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is distributing COVID-19 Home Test Kits at no cost every Tuesday 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 (One kit per household). 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. Due to the current spike in COVID-19 cases, please expect to leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as they are able to. During non-business hours, community members may report positive results to Franklin County Public Health at (518) 521-4877 or St. Lawrence County Public Health at (315) 386-2325. It is important that you self-report your positive result to track transmissions and prevent any further community spread of the virus.

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.