The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is informing the community that the mask mandate has been reinstated, effective November 22, 2022, due to rising respiratory illness cases, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), COVID-19, and influenza, in and around the community of Akwesasne. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has opted to reinstate the mask mandate in an effort to protect our community members and our vulnerable populations, most importantly our elders and immunocompromised populations. Masks continue to be an effective way to prevent and/or limit the spread of respiratory illness.
Masks will remain mandatory in all indoor MCA settings, such as office spaces, healthcare settings, and MCA facilities. The Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education (AMBE) has also chosen to reinstate its mask mandate due to rising respiratory illness cases in their schools.
Masks must be worn properly to be fully effective. Masks must be worn over the mouth, nose, and chin when you are in the indoor area of any MCA facility or building.
Cases of respiratory illnesses spike at this time every year with more social gatherings moving indoors. Please keep your at-risk family members (young children and elderly) safe by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and frequently washing/sanitizing your hands.
For more information on preventing the spread of respiratory illness and infection, please contact the Community Health Program at 613-575-2341 ext. 3220.