For immediate release:
Kentenhkó:wa/November 6, 2020

Tribe Reports Outbreak of COVID-19 Cases, Safety Measures Enhanced

AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center is continuing to report an outbreak of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) cases in the community of Akwesasne. Eleven (11) new cases were reported today – making a total of 22 total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction.

The number of total active cases includes individuals who reside outside of the community, but have close ties to Akwesasne through work or family. It does not include cases being reported by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

The Tribe’s Health Services is conducting contact tracing, in coordination with the Franklin County Public Health Department and the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department. Individuals who are contacted by a public health official are asked to please cooperate and provide honest responses, as the information you provide may save a life.

Due to the current outbreak, the Tribal Council is urging community members to take action now to prevent further community transmission of the virus. They ask that everyone comply with all safety measures being recommended by the EOC and public health agencies, as well as to limit gatherings to immediate family members only at this time.

The Tribal Council and the Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center also announced that the following protective measures are being taken to keep our community safe:

• No social gatherings in uncontrolled environments, such as parties at private residences;
• In-home wakes are paused for 30 days;
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people, with social distancing maintained;
• Businesses must comply with COVID-19 Capacity Levels; and
• Tribal facilities are closed to the public effective Monday, November 9, 2020.

Along with the above safety measures, individuals are being reminded that they must continue to wear a mask or cloth face covering in all public places, maintain at least 6-feet distance apart from others, and wash hands or use hand sanitizer often.

Due to the outbreak of cases, an additional COVID drive-thru clinic will be held on Monday, November 9, 2020 at the former-IGA Building from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or until supplies last. Two more drive-thru clinics will be held on Tuesday, November 10^th and November 17^th.

Akwesasne residents and non-member employees of local businesses and schools may also schedule a test by contacting Massena Hospital at (315) 769-4321, or Mountain Medical Services at (518) 521-3322 in Malone or (315) 705-0700 in Massena.

Community members are asked to please place your personal health and safety, as well as your family’s and your community’s, as a high priority at this time. We are all in this together, and it will require all of us taking personal action to keep Akwesasne safe.

#####

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