For immediate release:                                                         
Kentenhkó:wa/November 5, 2020                                          

Tribe’s EOC Reports Spike of Six (6) New Active COVID-19 Cases

AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center reports a spike of six (6) new active COVID-19 cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction — making 11 total active COVID-19 cases attributed to multiple sources.

The Tribe’s Health Services, Franklin County Public Health Department, and St. Lawrence County Public Health Department conducted contact tracing and notified individuals who may have had direct exposure. Both Public Health Departments are monitoring the cases and providing guidance during the individual’s isolation period. No further information is being provided to protect patient privacy.

Take Action Now

In response to the spike in positive cases, the Tribal Council is urging everyone to take personal action now to prevent any further community transmission. Please limit your travel, curb your activities, and stay in your family bubble. We need to be more vigilant and need to act now to avoid further spread within our community, or worse, a fatality.

The EOC is notifying individuals to NOT attend or host gatherings; including bars, parties or other family events at private residences, as these seem to be potential sources of the spike. Wear a mask and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from others, as well as wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

We should keep these safety precautions in mind until the end of the pandemic. We know everyone is experiencing COVID fatigue, but taking these actions now will prevent further restrictions, such as stay at home order and possible business closures. The situation will be monitored and the community will be informed of any further action that may be necessary.

COVID-19 Testing Availability

The Tribe’s EOC is reminding community members and non-Member employees of local businesses and school that free testing continues to be available by contacting Massena Hospital at (315) 769-4321, or Mountain Medical Services at (518) 521-3322 in Malone or (315) 705-0700 in Massena to make an appointment.

Direct Exposure Safety Measures

If you have had a direct exposure and not exhibiting symptoms, please wait 5 to 7 days before receiving a COVID-19 test. This will prevent the likelihood of a false negative result however, please quarantine while you are awaiting results. A public health official will notify you of test results 2 to 3 days after being tested.

If you do have symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare provider for testing.

Any individual who receives a positive test result, must isolate at home separate from other members of your household. Other family members in the same household will quarantine. For any questions or concerns about the isolation and/or quarantine process, please contact the Tribe’s EOC at (518) 320-0019.

If you are contacted by a public health official for contact tracing, individuals are asked to continue being cooperative and honest in your responses. The information you provide can help save a life.

Please continue to place your personal health and safety, as well as your family’s and the overall community’s, as a priority. We are all in this together.

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People