Tribe's EOC Issues Second COVID-19 Potential Exposure Notice

AKWESASNE. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center is providing notification of a potential low-risk exposure from an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, October 16, 2020. The individual is an employee of the AKWESASNE MOHAWK CASINO RESORT, who wore a mask and followed all safety measures while on casino property on the following days:

Wednesday, October 14

Thursday, October 15

Friday, October 16

The individual is currently in isolation and is continuing to follow all measures prescribed by public health officials. No further information is being provided to protect patient privacy.

Franklin County Public Health Department is working with the casino’s surveillance in conducting contact tracing and notifying individuals who may have been in direct contact.

Anyone who was at the casino on the specified dates and times are at low-risk for contracting COVID-19. If symptoms develop, please contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Since the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort reopened on August 31st, it has implemented and continues to adhere to enhanced sanitization procedures, increased social distancing, mandated wearing of facemasks, and reduction of hours to permit a deep cleaning of the facility. A listing of the casino’s safety measures is available to view in the “Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort Re-Opening Plan” located on the Tribe’s website at http://www.srmt-nsn.gov

The Tribe’s EOC is reminding community members and employees of Akwesasne businesses and local school districts about the need for everyone to get tested for COVID-19. FREE coronavirus testing is available at the former-IGA Building (across from the casino) on Tuesday, October 20th and Thursday, October 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Individuals can also schedule their own COVID-19 testing by contacting the Massena Hospital at (315) 769-4321 or Mountain Medical Services at (518) 521-3322.

Individuals who were at the casino on the specified date and time are at low risk for contracting COVID-19 due to protective measures, but they should monitor for symptoms. There is no need to self-quarantine or isolate unless symptoms develop. Please call your healthcare provider for further guidance if you develop a fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.

The first “COVID-19 Potential Exposure Notice” issued by the Tribe’s EOC was released on Friday, Kenténha/October 16, 2020 which read, “The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center; in coordination with the Franklin County Public Health Department, St. Lawrence County Public Health Department and the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort is providing public notification of a potential exposure from a COVID-19 positive individual that visited the casino on Saturday, October 10, 2020 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.”.