Day: July 1, 2021

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Phase 4 of Reopening begins as Alert Level reduced to GREEN tomorrow – Friday, July 2nd

COMMUNIQUÉ

Phase 4 of Reopening begins as Alert Level reduced to GREEN tomorrow – Friday, July 2nd

(Kahnawake – 1, Ohiarihkó:wa/July 2021)

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The Public Safety Commission and the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre Public Health Department wish to confirm that Phase 4 of the Reopening Process will begin thisFriday July 2, 2021 and is pleased to announce the lowering of the alert level to Green. This is the next step in the phased-in approach for the lowering of emergency measures in the community.

Phase 4 includes (but is not limited to) the following:

All Public Health Measures to be followed in all settings according to current, local Public Health recommendations. Please note that 100% capacity (as seen below) is based on maintaining two (2) meter distancing.

  • Indoor private gatherings: INCREASE to a maximum of 12 persons
  • Outdoor private & public gatherings: NO CHANGE – maximum of 50 persons
  • Restaurants: INCREASE to 100% capacity, with a maximum of ten (10) persons per table
  • Cigar lounges: INCREASE to 100% capacity, with a maximum of ten (10) persons per table
  • Bars & social clubs: INCREASE to 100% capacity. However, patrons must remain seated at the table (no mingling). Bar seats must maintain 2 meter distancing. Maximum of ten (10) persons per table
  • Gaming establishments: Open, with pre-approved Green Zone measures
  • Churches, funerals & ceremonial gatherings: INCREASE to 100% capacity
  • Gyms & fitness centers: INCREASE to 100% capacitywith 25 person maximum. Masking required when moving from one location to another
  • Organizations: Start phased-in return to office
  • Kahnawake Businesses: 100% capacity.  No more restrictions to operating hours in accordance with ABC Law and Gaming Law.
  • Private events or social activities in rented halls or indoor public settings: Maximum 50 persons, space permitting.  Must remain seated.  (Large indoor parties in rented halls still prohibited at this time)

The four (4) phased approach began on May 21, 2021. Please note that the Green Alert status does not mean that the pandemic is over; however, it is the lowest alert level and indicates that the situation in and around Kahnawà:ke continues to improve. The full Reopening Plan can be accessed by clicking here.

Due to the nature of the pandemic, it is possible that the situation may change, and restrictions may be reintroduced. 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 remains at risk.

The Public Safety Commission appreciates everyone’s cooperation and respect of the health and safety measures, ensuring a safe reopening.

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COMMUNIQUÉ – NEW Recommended Masking Measure

COMMUNIQUÉ

NEW Recommended Masking Measure

(Kahnawake – 1, Ohiarihkó:wa/July 2021)

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The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre Public Health Department and the Public Safety Commission wish to inform the community of newly updated Recommended Masking Measures for those who have been partially or fully vaccinated.

These new recommendations are meant as a guide, but it is up to the individual and his/her accepted level of risk. Those who are part of the vulnerable population, 70+ and/or immunocompromised, and those who are not vaccinated are always at a higher risk of serious illness due to COVID-19.

When you are fully vaccinated:

  • No mask or physical distancing required when outdoors with a small group
  • No mask or physical distancing required when outdoors with people from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or vaccination status unknown
  • No mask required when indoors with a small group of fully vaccinated individuals
  • Follow measures put in place by the owner or organizer of indoor gatherings of multiple households with people who are unvaccinated, fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or if their vaccination status is unknown. Keep windows and doors open if possible and consider wearing a mask if you are part of the vulnerable population
  • It is recommended to wear a mask and follow all measures at indoor or outdoor gatherings where people may closely gather

When you are partially or not vaccinated:

  • No mask or physical distancing required when outdoors with a small group, depending on your accepted level of risk
  • It is recommended to wear a mask if physical distancing cannot be maintained, especially if you or others are part of the vulnerable population when outdoors with people from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or vaccination status unknown
  • It is recommended to wear a mask in indoor environments.  Being physically close to fully vaccinated individuals is acceptable only if everyone is comfortable with that and nobody is part of the vulnerable population when indoors with a small group of fully vaccinated individuals
  • Wear a mask and follow measures put in place by the owner or organizer of gatherings of multiple households with people who are unvaccinated, fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or if their vaccination status is unknown. Keep windows and doors open if possible, to reduce the risk of COVID-19
  • Wear a mask, maintain social distancing whenever possible, follow all measures put in place by the owner or organizer of the indoor or outdoor gatherings where people are closely gathering  (Note: Consider only attending events where there are safety plans in place that follow local public health advice.)

Important:

Masking measures are still mandatory in all public indoor spaces. Masking measures for business and workplaces may differ according to the Public Health Measures. Masking measure for Kahnawa:ke may differ from that of Quebec.

Always follow good health and hygiene practices and ensure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It is also recommended to not be in close contact with others if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if vaccinated.

It is important to note that, even with the large percentage of the community as well as Quebec being vaccinated and returning to green zones, we are still in a pandemic. We need to remain vigilant and continue to follow all health and safety measures in place to protect our community.

For more information, click here.

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News

Current Public Health Measures as of July 1, 2021

Current Public Health Measures as of July 1, 2021 as per Directive # 65       

(updates/modifications highlighted in yellow)           

Symptomatic Individuals:

  • Individuals with COVID-like symptoms, whether vaccinated or not, are required to self-isolate and are required to be tested for COVID-19 at the KMHC testing site or another testing site
  • Change to COVID-19 symptoms: Runny nose and/or congestion is no longer a COVID-19 symptom.  Therefore, testing not required for runny nose and/or congestion. 
  • KMHC testing site presently opened on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Make an appointment by calling 450-638-3930 ext. 2296 or ext. 2275.

•           Chateauguay testing site: 167 Maple Boulevard, 1-877-644-4545.  Appointment required.

Contact Tracing:

•           Fully vaccinated individuals (7 days post 2nd dose), will no longer be asked to self-isolate if in contact with a positive case (some exceptions possible as recommended by Public Health)

•           However, if fully vaccinated and in contact with a positive case, Public Health requires that you self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms daily over a period of 14 days.  If you develop symptoms, self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19.

Masking:

•           Masks are still mandatory in all indoor public settings (example: pharmacy or grocery store)

•           Masking is no longer required in outdoor, public and private settings (example: ball field, small family gathering) if fully vaccinated. If partially vaccinated or not vaccinated, wearing a mask is recommended when 2-meter distance cannot be maintained.

•           Masking in office spaces of community organizations are no longer required when in a seated area and where 2-meter distancing can be maintained OR where protective barriers are in place (plexiglass, dividers).  Examples are: meeting/conference rooms in organizations such as MCK, KMHC or KSCS; group offices; classrooms in Kahnawake schools.  Masks remain mandatory in all common areas when moving from one area to another.

•           Masks are not required in indoor private settings if fully vaccinated and agreed upon by all participants (this includes in a person’s private vehicle).  Immunocompromised individuals who are fully vaccinated should still wear masks when in private settings.

•           Public Health recommends that individuals use their judgement, knowledge and education and acceptable level of risk when deciding about masking in their personal indoor and outdoor home environment

Distancing:

•           2-meter distancing is required in indoor public settings and in private areas of community organizations, if not fully vaccinated

•           2-meter distancing is recommended in outdoor public settings, if not fully vaccinated and especially if you are vulnerable person and not fully vaccinated

  • 2-meter distancing is not required in outdoor private settings if everyone is comfortable with that decision.

•           Public Health recommends that individuals use their judgement, knowledge and education and acceptable level of risk when deciding about distancing in their personal indoor and outdoor home environment