Month: May 2021

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News

Directive 57.2 Local Businesses Permitted to Resume Normal Hours of Operation

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (“Task Force”) is pleased to announce that, effective immediately, all local businesses can return to their normal hours of operation.

Directive 57.2 Business Hours of Operation No Longer Restricted, which replaces Directive 57.1, allows all local businesses that are currently permitted to conduct business to no longer restrict their hours of operations, unless specifically included within another directive.

The Task Force is asking all local business owners to remain extra vigilant and to ensure that all health and safety measures are strictly enforced. Businesses are required to complete the enhanced daily health checks of all employees and ensure that any employee that is sick remain home and to be tested if required.

Additionally, all employees and clients MUST wear a mask, practice social distancing and hygiene.

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News

Task Force announces Four Phases of Reopening

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (“Task Force”) today announced its phased-in approach for decrease in measures in the community, as it has become clear that the pandemic has entered a less critical phase.

The Task Force is taking a four (4) phased approach. Phase 1 is already in operation, having begun on Friday, May 21st.

Phase 2 is tentatively scheduled to be in effect on Friday, June 4th and includes (but is not limited to) changes to the following:

  • Outdoor private & public gatherings: increase to maximum of 25 persons, space permitting and with measures
  • Indoor private gatherings: increase to two other households to a maximum of 8 persons
  • Churches, funerals & ceremonial gatherings: increase to 50% capacity, with spacing and measures
  • Restaurants: expansion of allowances for on-site dining to 50% capacity, with two household maximum per table
  • Gyms & fitness centers: will be permitted to increase capacity to 12 persons, if space permits
  • Gaming establishments: reopening with pre-approved Orange Zone restrictions
  • Cigar lounges: Terrace capacity as per distancing measures* Non-locals permitted, 2 households max per table

Phase 3 and Phase 4, which will see a continuation of reduction of restrictions, is tentatively scheduled at two week intervals from each other however this will be reassessed as we continue through the phases.

Additionally, all restrictions in place restricting access of non-locals to businesses will be lifted on Friday, June 4th.

The full Reopening Plan can be accessed by clicking here. Please note that all dates and measures are tentative at this time due to the changing nature of the pandemic.

It is important to note that, even with the large percentage of community as well as Quebec being vaccinated, we need to remain vigilant and continue to follow all health and safety measures in place to protect our community – especially our vulnerable population who remain at risk. The Task Force appreciates everyone’s cooperation and respect of the health and safety measures, ensuring a safe reopening.

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News Vaccination News

Important update regarding Kahnawake Vaccinations

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force and the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre wish to provide the following important information regarding the upcoming second dose of the Moderna vaccine for those 18-and-over.

Beginning on Tuesday, May 25th, those who already have an appointment scheduled should expect a text or email cancelling the appointment you received after your first vaccination and the new appointment date and time. For those who do not have an email or cell phone in our system, we will call you personally to schedule.

By Thursday, June 3rd, if you have not heard from the KMHC and are awaiting a second dose appointment, contact KMHC directly at extension 2295 to make an appointment.

For those who wish to receive their first dose, call Public Safety at 450-632-0635 and you will be scheduled for your first dose.

Additional information:

  • For vaccinations for the 12 to 15 age group, you have to be 12-years-old on the date of the vaccine or it will not be recognized as an eligible vaccine.
  • If you have questions regarding vaccine safety, side effects, or other issues and want to speak to a nurse, please call the Public Health line at 438-836-5278.
  • Please be patient and do not call for a second dose appointment until after June 3rd, as the scheduling process of more than 3,000 appointments will take some time.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation!  

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News

What is Your Acceptable Level of Risk?

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to advise the community that, as of today, the Alert Level of the community is reduced from Red to ORANGE. 

New Directives (and amendments to current Directives) affecting gatherings, sports & exercise activities, restaurants, and churches will be in effect as of today. Previously announced details can be viewed here.

Considering today’s relaxation of measures, the Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to remind the community of the importance of maintaining Infection Prevention & Control measures of distance, hygiene, masks, vaccination, and well-being.

Over the course of the past year, the community has gained valuable knowledge in how to limit the spread of COVID-19 to themselves and their loved ones.  We urge the community to use this knowledge to determine what feels safe in your day-to-day activities.  Respect for each other at this time is of utmost importance. 

Those who are uncomfortable with any level of risk or who may be protecting a very vulnerable person may feel a certain level of anxiety with the upcoming changes. Others may feel that the upcoming relaxation of measures is minimal and be anxious to move forward with further phases of reopening. 

It is up to each individual and their family to discuss what is an acceptable level of risk for them and for us all to respect each other’s choices and offer our support as we move towards new phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Remember: The least amount of risk at this time is in outdoor or well-ventilated environments. The most amount of risk of transmission is in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. In order to ensure a successful reopening, it is important that we respect the reopening phases as they are presented and limit the risk of transmission as much as possible.

Although our community has a 75% vaccination rate for those 16+, there are still 25% of our community members, some of which are more vulnerable, who are not vaccinated and are therefore at a higher level of risk. Any close contact, especially in enclosed environments and when not vaccinated, increases the risk of getting and transmitting COVID-19. Therefore, using our current knowledge regarding safety measures allows us to control our environment, actions, and ultimately our lives. The COVID-19 Task Force is happy to transfer this control to the community at this time.

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Vaccination News

Information on vaccination QR Codes

Cropped photo of young sick ill patient lady unwell call emergency, ambulance doc virologist flu cold covid injection shoulder medication help wear latex gloves protective uniform indoors

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) and the Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (Task Force) would like to provide some information regarding Quebec’s Quick Response Code, or QR Code as it’s commonly known.

The QR Codes are being sent by email or text message by the Minister of Health and Social Services (MSSS) to those who received their COVID-19 vaccination. The QR Code is a digital document embedded with your vaccine information. This document can be stored electronically on your smartphone, email or can be printed and carried in a wallet. 

The following Quebec.ca website provides information about the QR code:

https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/progress-of-the-covid-19-vaccination/proof-covid-19-vaccination

The vaccine QR Code is an initiative of the Quebec Government and not the Task Force or KMHC. The Quebec government has not yet decided in what way the QR code will be used in the future. The paper validation of your vaccine is still recognized and valid as proof of vaccination. Some people may not have received their QR Code for various reasons. Very shortly, the Quebec.ca website will allow individuals to access it to generate their personal QR Code if required. The site is not ready at this time.

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News

Task Force updates on new developments

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to update the community on a number of developments.

 First, the Task Force is pleased to announce that the Vaccination Center will reopen on June 3, 2021 for persons 12 to 15-years-of-age. Here are some details/instructions:

  • The Pfizer vaccine will be used for this age group
  • 1st date is Thursday, June 3rd from 3pm to 6:30pm
  • 2nd date: Friday, June 4th from 1pm to 6:30pm
  • 3rd date: Saturday, June 5th from 9am to 3pm
  • Those receiving the vaccine must be accompanied by at least one (1) parent who is able to provide consent (if child is under 14 years of age).
  • If a parent cannot be present with the child, the consent form can be completed in advance. Please provide a phone number where a nurse on site can reach one (1) parent for consent at the time of vaccination
  • Anyone under 14 (those aged 12 and 13) will require parental consent to be vaccinated
  • Please make appointments through www.Kahnawake911.com by clicking on the Clic Santé icon

Additionally, the Task Force has arranged that Kahnawà:ke will be receiving the second doses of the Moderna vaccines earlier than previously announced. Details are being finalized and will be released to the community next Tuesday, May 25th.

Finally, all phases of the Reopening Plan will be released to the community on Thursday, May 27th.

Please note: The majority of recent COVID-19 transmissions has been amongst the population under 20 years of age. Parents are being urged to speak to their children and peers about safe gatherings, distance, hygiene, masking, and especially, vaccination. Data in Quebec and around the world is clearly demonstrating a direct link between vaccinate rates and number of COVID-19 cases.  For our reopening to be successful and ongoing, we must be vaccinated.  Please don’t be shy to have these conversations amongst family, friends and your children. 

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News Uncategorized

Local Restaurants Mandatory Inspections for In-House & Terrace Dining

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (Task Force) would like to remind local restaurant owners that all establishments must be inspected before reopening to the public for in-house and terrace dining on Friday, May 21, 2021.

Local restauranteurs are being advised to contact the Public Safety Division to book an inspection at 450-632-0635 or by email at covid19inspections@mck.ca.

The Task Force would also like to remind the general public that this first phase of reopening the restaurants for in-house and terrace dining is only for local residents and those working within the territory, and identification may be required.

Phase two will be announced in the near future.

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News

Task Force announces Phase One Reopening, changes to Directives

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to announce the Phase One Reopening and the related changes to various Directives.

With yesterday’s announcement that the alert level in Kahnawà:ke will be lowered to ORANGE next week, the Task Force has carefully considered the current situation. With a 74%vaccination rate of community members aged 16 and over in Kahnawà:ke and the significant reduction in new cases in the Montreal region, it was determined that a gradual and safe reopening strategy will be employed for a gradual return to a state of normalcy. 

Therefore, the following Phase One changes have been approved and will be in effect as of next Friday, May 21, 2021:

  • Outdoor Gatherings will be increased to maximum of 12 persons, with same safety measures (Masking, Distance, Hygiene)
  • With certain conditions, Outdoor Recreational Sports/Activities will be permitted. Participation in outdoor fitness activities (individual or group) is increased to 12. Team sports will be permitted, though there is a requirement for the various Associations to submit a safety plan for approval from the Task Force
  • Restaurants will be permitted to allow 25% dine-in capacity from breakfast to 10pm for meal service only. Only Kahnawà:ke customers and persons who work in the community will be permitted to dine-in. Alcohol can be served with a meal only – no bar service. All safety measures remain in place (Distance, Hygiene, Masking, Registry, Ventilation), and site inspection will be required prior to opening
  • Churches will be permitted an increase to 25% capacity, up to a maximum of 50 people. Safety measures remain in place (Masking, Distance, Hygiene). Please note that persons living in the same household are permitted to sit together.

Please note that COVID-19 still exists, but we have the knowledge to decide whether we want to participate in these activities or not, based on what level of risk we are willing to take. Risk will always exist but we can decrease it by hygiene, masks, distance, and vaccination measures.

The Task Force is asking the community to respect all directives for the continued safety of our elders and vulnerable population. The Task Force continues to meet and strategize on a regular basis and, when the situation warrants, the second phase of reopening will be announced.

For more information, please visit www.kahnawake911.com/reopening.

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News

Kahnawake to move to ORANGE Alert Level

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to advise the community that, following a detailed assessment of the current state of the pandemic, the Alert Level of the community is expected to be reduced fromRed to ORANGE on Friday, May 21, 2021. 

New measures within the Orange Alert level will be phased in over the next several weeks and will be announced as the situation evolves. Although the community is still at a very serious stage of the pandemic, the overall situation has stabilized to the point that the Task Force is confident to lower the alert status from the highest level (Red) to the second-highest level (Orange).

Several announcements will be made tomorrow, including new Directives (and amendments to current Directives) affecting gatherings, sports & exercise activities, restaurants, and churches.

It is important to note that risk still exists. We are moving forward while accepting that we will likely see an increase in cases of COVID-19; however, due to the vaccination campaign, a significant majority of our most vulnerable population is vaccinated.

Additionally, the increase in vaccination rates in Quebec and next week’s second dose of vaccination for Kahnawà:ke’s front line workers gives the Task Force confidence that the community is increasingly well protected. In moving forward with this change, Kahnawa’kehró:non will be responsible to use their knowledge of safe practices to make individual decisions within these measures. This will help ensure the success of this reopening while balancing the safety of each individual and the community overall.

Though the situation is stabilizing, the situation could change at any time and we could end up reverting back into a Red Alert Level. We must remain vigilant and must continue to maintain all safety measures (Mask, Distance, Hygiene). Working together as a community, we can limit and manage the spread of the virus.

Categories
Vaccination News

Task Force announces next vaccinations, special focus on 16 and 17-year-olds

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to advise the community of the re-opening of the Vaccination Center next week for the scheduled second doses of Pfizer for employees of Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre, Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takéhnhas Community Services, the Kahnawà:ke Fire Brigade, and the Peacekeepers.

Important: Due to the current situation of high COVID-19 outbreaks amongst youth, there will be 25 extra doses available for 16 and 17-year-olds next Thursday and Friday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. We strongly urge all 16 and 17-year-olds to book an appointment to be vaccinated at this time due to the increase in cases and current high transmission throughout the community. 

Please make your appointment through www.Kahnawake911.com/vaccine by clicking on the link for Clic Santé.

Please note: There are now seventeen (17) active cases of COVID-19 within the Territory. The majority of transmission is amongst the population under 20 years of age. Parents are being urged to speak to their children and peers about safe gatherings, distance, hygiene, masking, etc., as it has proven challenging to reach this age group through the standard means of communications. Direct conversation within the family should not be overlooked as an effective means of providing important information to this increasingly vulnerable age group.