AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is reporting five new cases of COVID-19 today (Wednesday, Jan. 13), which makes 18 total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction.

None of the community members already infected have resolved since yesterday, the Tribe said in a press release, leaving 67 still in quarantine.

The new cases can be attributed to household spread, where once the virus is introduced into a household it continues to spread to other members of the same household, said the Tribe. It requires members, often family members or housemates, to isolate themselves until released by a public health official.

For those tribal members undergoing isolation or quarantine who may need emergency food supplies or other essential items, contact the Tribe’s Family Advocates Office at (518) 358-3021.

The EOC is urging everyone to please stay in your immediate household’s bubble, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often.

Seniors ages 65 and over can now call the Tribe’s Office for the Aging to pre-register to receive a vaccination. A provider from Health Services will contact you to complete a health screening and schedule your appointment. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and phone number. To pre-register, call the Tribe’s Office for the Aging at (518) 358-2963.

A radio talk show was conducted with Health Services Director Michael Cook and Clinical Director Dr. Benson Kelly. The talk show was recorded and is available on the Tribe’s Facebook page and Health Service’s webpage. Individuals are encouraged to watch the recording for information on the vaccination process currently underway.

COVID-19 drive-thru test collection clinics have been scheduled for Jan. 19 and 26 beginning at 9 a.m. at the former IGA Building while supplies last.

For anyone seeking to obtain their results for a COVID-19 test, call the clinic’s new direct line at (518) 333-0230.

For non-emergency matters, call the Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center at (518) 320-0019; Monday-Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

If you require emergency food supplies or other essential items, contact the Family Advocate’s Office at (518) 358-3021.

For a listing of other tribal services and programs visit the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s website at www.srmt-nsn.gov.