MCA DEPT OF HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Dept. of Health is notifying the community of an increase in COVID-19 cases in the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) region, according to wastewater data. The following advisory information is provided:

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms (even if mild).

Fever (37.8˚ C or higher) and/or chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Decreased or loss of taste or smell

Runny nose or nasal congestion

Headache

Extreme fatigue or tiredness

Sore throat

Muscle aches or joint pain

Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as vomiting or diarrhea)

It is recommended that you stay home (self-isolate) while you are sick.

This means:

Staying home until you have no fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea).

After isolating, wear a well-fitted, high quality mask when out in public for 10 days from when your symptoms started.

Avoid non-essential visits to vulnerable individuals (e.g. seniors) and highest risk settings (e.g., hospitals, long-term care) for 10 days from when your symptoms started.

Follow this advice whether you have tested with a Rapid Antigen Test for COVID-19 or not.

If you tested positive for COVID-19, but do not have any symptoms, you are not required to self-isolate. You should self-monitor for symptoms and self-isolate if symptoms develop. Wear a well-fitted, high quality mask when in public settings, especially if they are crowded or have poor ventilation, and avoid non-essential visits to vulnerable individuals (e.g. seniors) and high risk settings for 10 days from your positive test date.

Individuals with a weak immune system should isolate for at least 10 days (from symptom onset or positive test date) regardless if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Vaccinations:

COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccines are the currently recommended products for both the primary series (whether starting or completing the series) and for those previously vaccinated.

The XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine is particularly important for those at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 disease as follows:

Adults 65 years of age or older

Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings

Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19

Individuals who are pregnant

Individuals in or from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities

Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities

People who provide essential community services.

The recommended interval is 6 months from the last COVID-19 vaccine dose or COVID infection. However, a shorter interval of at least 3 months may be used.

For more information please contact MCA's Community Health Services at 613-575-2341 x 3220.