Day: June 4, 2021

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Vaccination News

Reasons for receiving Vaccination second dose

With the second vaccinations set to begin next week in Kahnawà:ke, the Kahnawake COVID-19 Task Force (the Task Force) wishes to provide information in the public interest regarding vaccinations. While the choice to become vaccinated is a private matter, the Task Force has been clear in its position that being vaccinated offers a greatly reduced risk of contracting or transmitting the virus.

A person is considered to be fully vaccinated immediately after that person receives two doses of the vaccine. Being fully vaccinated almost completely eliminates the risk of severe illness and death if COVID-19 if contracted. The following applies for fully vaccinated persons:

  • No longer have to self-isolate (if they don’t have symptoms) if they have a contact with a positive case – Kahnawà:ke Public Health to assess and advise
  • No longer have to wear masks when in private places with other individuals who are also fully vaccinated. For further clarity, in these instances, persons who aren’t fully vaccinated are still required to wear a mask
  • Fully vaccinate persons will be able to hug loved ones who are also fully vaccinated

Please note: children over 12 will be able to return to school in September with little to no measures in place if 75% of 12 to 17-year-olds are fully vaccinated.

Effective on Monday, June 7th, Kahnawa’kehró:non who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to quarantine when re-entering Canada from the United States (although they are still subject to Canada’s rules when not in Kahnawà:ke). Additionally, Canada is expected to soon waive pre-departure test, seven (7) day test, and quarantine requirements for people who are fully vaccinated, upon re-entering Canada.

COVID-19 still exists and, despite being fully vaccinated, persons may still get COVID-19 and transmit it to others, although the risk of severe illness and death are greatly reduced. Please evaluate every situation and make informed decisions about your actions according to the level of risk you are willing to take.

The Task Force thanks you for your attention.

Categories
News

Phase 2 of Reopening begins TOMORROW (Friday, June 4th)

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (Task Force) wishes to confirm that Phase 2 of the Reopening Process will begin tomorrow (Friday, June 4, 2021). This is the next step in the phased-in approach for decrease in emergency measures in the community, as it has become clear that the effects of the pandemic are lessening at this time.

Phase 2 includes (but is not limited 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: 50% capacity in-house, terrace capacity as per distancing measures
  • Restriction of access for non-locals to businesses will be lifted

As stated last week, the Task Force is taking a four (4) phased approach. Phase 1 began on May 21, 2021.

Phases 3 and 4, which will see a continuation of reduced restrictions, are tentatively scheduled at two-week intervals; however this will be reassessed as we continue through the phases.

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.