Community COVID-19 outbreak declared on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

“Those considered high-risk for exposure will be contacted by HPEPH. Low-risk contacts were sent this letter by email. The school remains open,” The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board said on Twitter. View a copy of that letter below.

Original article:

A community outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory after six cases of the virus were detected across three days.

The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte in partnership with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) declared the outbreak on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, and said potential exposure could have occurred as early as Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. According to a statement from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council, HPEPH and the Tyendinaga Community Wellbeing Centre are currently working together to connect with high-risk contacts related to the cases, who will be instructed to self-isolate immediately and to get tested.

The declaration of the outbreak comes after four positive student cases of COVID-19 were identified within Quinte Mohawk School starting on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021.

As a result, all residents of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory are advised to monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19, and if symptoms develop, isolate immediately and only leave isolation to seek testing, even if symptoms are very mild, and if the residents are fully vaccinated. Those who seek testing are asked to reference investigation number 2238-2021-48005.

“All residents are reminded that there continues to be a risk of COVID-19 spreading in the community,” the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council said in a statement. “Please maintain vigilance to protect yourself and others.”

The Council offered the following recommendations for residents of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory:

• Monitor yourself diligently for symptoms. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, or feel sick for any reason, keep your distance from household members, and stay home until your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (even if you are not required to get tested for COVID-19).
• When you feel ill or have any symptoms of COVID-19 (even mild ones), complete the COVID-19 symptom screener. If testing is required, isolate from others until you receive negative test results or as otherwise advised by public health.
• Individuals who are not vaccinated are urged to seek vaccination right away.
• If you choose to gather with others, take steps to reduce your risk:
  • Continue to limit your close contacts, even when you feel well.
  • Gather outdoors whenever possible.
  • When gathering indoors, maintain physical distance and wear a face covering unless all individuals from other households are fully vaccinated.
  • Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, cigarettes, or any other objects that touch your face/mouth.
  • Wash your hands frequently and well.
  • Cover your cough.

The Council also advises that COVID-19 vaccination is available through the Community Wellbeing Centre by appointment only. To view clinic dates and book an appointment, visit mbq-tmt.org/health/covid-19-vaccines/. All HPEPH COVID-19 vaccine clinics are accepting walk-in appointments. Many pharmacies also continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines. For dates, locations, and vaccination options, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-booking/.

Additionally, members of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte can book an appointment to get tested at the Community Wellbeing Centre by calling 613-967-3603. Additional testing information can be found at hpePublicHealth.ca.