Month: December 2021

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News

New measures for Kahnawà:ke, effective immediately

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (‘Task Force’) is advising the community that new safety measures within Kahnawà:ke have been set into force, effective as of 4pm today (December 31st) to ensure the recent rising number of COVID-19 cases and its potential effects can be mitigated safely.
 
The situation within the community and surrounding area is deemed critical at this time, and transmission is at its highest. As a result, the Task Force has put the following measures into force:
 

  • Kahnawà:ke is for residents only between 10pm and 5am, with the exception of non-local essential service employees. The duration of this directive will coincide with Quebec’s timeline. Employers are responsible to ensure their workers have proof of employment. Although there is no curfew for Kahnawa’kehró:non, you are subject to Quebec’s curfew should you leave the Territory and we highly recommend that you remain in your family bubble at this time;
  • Local businesses to remain open on Sundays during regular hours (despite Quebec’s closure of all non-essential businesses on Sundays);
  • Kahnawà:ke Schools re-opening date extended to Monday, January 17th, to ensure school administrators have time to prepare additional safety measures. The Kahnawake Education Center will make a formal announcement shortly;
  • Funerals taking place in larger venues can accommodate up to a maximum of 25 persons or if taking place at Poissant’s up to a maximum of 10 persons at a time.It is highly recommended that visitation take place no more than two family bubbles at a time; and
  • All recreation areas (such as the town rink, etc) will be limited to one household at a time.

 
Additionally, we remind the community to remain vigilant with the increased risk of transmitting the virus at this time. Please follow all safety measures (masking, distancing and hand-hygiene) and try to limit or avoid unnecessary exposure from gathering with other households or being out in public. The Task Force wishes not to enforce further restrictions unless absolutely necessary and hopes that the entire community takes the collective responsibility of doing what is necessary to beat this virus. 
 
We are currently at the highest rate of positive cases (120 as of December 30th at 5pm), and that number is increasing each day. For up-to-date information on measures, isolation and testing requirements and other COVID-19 related information, visit www.kahnawake911.com.

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Main Featured

Vaccination Clinic dates for the New Year

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre and Public Safety Commission are pleased to announce that a Vaccination Clinic for COVID-19 vaccines will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, January 5 – 9am to 4:30pm
  • Friday, January 7 – 9am to 4:30pm
  • Saturday, January 8 – 9am to 4:30pm

This Vaccination Clinic is open to those 18 years and older for first, second dose or booster.

You can book your appointment as of January 4, 2022 at 1pm by clicking here.

Please note, due to the current situation in the community, and a shortage of healthcare staff, Vaccination Clinics will only be announced on a week-by-week basis.

Important Information: If you have had COVID-19, schedule your appointment 8 weeks after the beginning of your symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test.

It is also recommended that anyone under the age of 29 should receive the Pfizer vaccine as a booster/3rd dose, no matter which vaccine they received as their first or second dose, to reduce the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis.

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 variant (Delta and Omicron) cases on the rise around the world, it is recommended to get your booster or 3rd dose to enhance vaccine efficacy.

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Main Featured Uncategorized

Task Force issues visitation guidelines for holidays

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to advise the community that due to the rising number of COVID-19 positive cases (currently at 93 active, 101 total in 5th wave) and the high number of persons in isolation (estimated to be in the hundreds) within the community, it has issued Guidelines for safe visitation for the remainder of this holiday season.

The current situation is deemed critical and the risk of transmission of the virus is significant. As a result, it is imperative that community members do everything they can to keep themselves, their families, and the community as healthy and safe as possible. Therefore, the following Guidelines have been put in place:

The first and safest recommendation is to:

• Stay within your own household and have no family visits

The second recommendation, which involves increased risk, is to:

• Have one other household visit per day, between now and January 8, 2021 – while respecting Masking, Distancing, and proper Hand Hygiene at all times

Private home visits should NOT include the following:

• Parties

• Gatherings of multiple households or multiple family members from different households. More than two other households in your home at the same time is not recommended

Private home visits should NOT take place if you or someone in your household:

• Is over 70 years of age, immuno-suppressed, or otherwise at risk

• Lives with someone who is at risk or takes care of someone who is at risk

• Has COVID-19, has COVID-19-related symptoms, has been around a positive case, tested positive with a rapid test, or are awaiting test results

Home visits and increased numbers of contacts in the home increases the risk of transmitting the virus. It is the personal responsibility of each and every person to ensure that, if we have people visiting our home, the visits are conducted safely. We must all do our part to protect our most vulnerable. Working as a community, we can manage and limit the spread of COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19 Testing and Isolation requirements, a list of current measures in Kahnawà:ke or When you should take a rapid test, visit www.kahnawake911.com.

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Main Featured News

Residents asked to find an alternative COVID-19 testing site due to high demand

Due to the increased demand for COVID-19 testing and a staffing shortage, the Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force would like to inform the community that the local testing center cannot accommodate all the requests for appointments.

If you have yet to receive a confirmation of an appointment for testing from the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre,  Kahnawa’kehró:non are being advised to find an alternative testing site outside the community. For those who wish to be tested, there are several testing sites that are currently offering walk-in and appointment services on the Island of Montreal.

Please note, whether you choose to visit a walk-in testing center or make an appointment via Clic Sante, you may experience delays and long waiting times. Unfortunately, this is to be expected with the high number of COVID-19 cases in the province of Quebec.

For detailed information on COVID-19 testing sites that offer walk-in and appointments in the Montreal area, please click here.

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Main Featured News

Increased COVID-19 Measures due to local outbreaks

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (Task Force) and Public Health Team wish to advise the community that due to the ever-changing situation in the community, and the increasing number of positive cases, have made the decision to increase measures in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.

The following measures are effective immediately:

  • All gaming establishments/Bingo Hall  to be closed as of 1am, December 25, 2021, to January 8, 2022
  • Gyms, aesthetics services, hair salons/barbershops, massage services, and other personal care services closed until January 8, 2022
  • Churches limited attendance, restricted to residents only.
  • Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre, no visitation allowed
  • Tobacco Manufacturing closed until January 8, 2022  (tobacco retail stores to remain open)

These new measures will be reevaluated by the Task Force on January 4, 2022.

At this time, the Task Force continues to work with the Public Health team to monitor the situation and will be meeting throughout the holidays in an effort to evaluate data and current measures.

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force will provide the community with updates when required.

As of December 24, at 11am, there were 69 confirmed positive cases (as many as 39 new positive cases with the last 24 hours), 10 positive rapid tests that we are aware of, with an unknown number of people in isolation (but estimated to be in the hundreds).

Additionally, for those workers impacted by these new measures can access KERM  funding. For more information, please email Relief@mck.ca.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding and ask all Kahnawa’kehró:non to continue following all COVID-19 measures and restrictions, limit contacts to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

For a complete list of up-to-date Measures in force, visit www.kahnawake911.com.

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Main Featured News

Current Measures in Kahnawà:ke

Public Safety KMHC header

Updated Wednesday, January 5th at 4:30pm

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (‘Task Force’) wishes to update the community on the current situation regarding local measures that were implemented on New Year’s Eve after the surge of positive COVID-19 cases within the community.

The Task Force met yesterday and reviewed the current measures, which will remain until at least January 22, 2022. The Task Force will meet to re-evaluate the measures on January 19.

  • Restaurants to remain closed for in-house dining, take-out and delivery only
  • Gaming establishments to remain closed
  • Personal care/Aesthetics/hair salons to remain closed
  • Gyms to remain closed
  • Indoor Sports to remain closed
  • Local businesses to remain open on Sundays during regular hours (despite Quebec’s closure of all non-essential businesses on Sundays)
  • Kahnawà:ke is for residents only between 10pm and 5am, with the exception of non-local essential service employees. The duration of this directive will coincide with Quebec’s timeline. Employers are responsible for ensuring their workers have proof of employment. Although there is no curfew for Kahnawa’kehró:non, you are subject to Quebec’s curfew should you leave the Territory, and we highly recommend that you remain in your family bubble at this time
  • Kahnawà:ke Schools re-opening date extended to Monday, January 17, to ensure school administrators have time to prepare additional safety measures
  • Funerals taking place in larger venues can accommodate up to a maximum of 25 persons or if taking place at Poissant’s up to a maximum of 10 persons at a time. It is highly recommended that visitation take place no more than two family bubbles at a time
  • All recreation areas (such as the town rink, etc.) will be limited to one household at a time
  • Travel, no restrictions imposed by Task Force
  • It is recommended to remain in your family bubble as much as possible

The only modification that was agreed upon by the Task Force was to allow tobacco manufacturing to resume operations on January 9, 2022, with new, strict measures to ensure the health and safety of employees working in the industry.

Additionally, we remind the community to remain vigilant with the increased risk of transmitting the virus at this time. Please follow all safety measures (masking, distancing, and hand hygiene) and try to limit or avoid unnecessary exposure from gathering with other households or being out in public.

For up-to-date information on measures, isolation and testing requirements, and other COVID-19 related information, visit www.kahnawake911.com.

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Main Featured News

Kahnawake COVID-19 Testing Site to be open for three days next week

Issued at 3:32pm

(Kahnawake – 23, Tsothóhrha/December 2021)  The Public Health Team and the Public Safety Commission wish to advise the community that the COVID-19 Testing Site located at the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) will be open for three (3) days next week as opposed to the original single day.

KMHC is thankful for the staff who are willing to work during the holiday period in order to meet the needs of the community. The opening dates are as follows:

  • Tuesday, December 28
  • Wednesday, December 29
  • Thursday, December 30

Testing will be done on a first come – first served basis, but appointments are required. Telephone lines are open for appointments until 4pm today and from 8am to 4pm on Tuesday at 450-638-3930 extension 2275 or 2296.

Because there are limited resources available at this time, we are asking that only persons who are exhibiting symptoms or who have tested positive on a rapid test come for testing.

Please refer to the isolation and testing requirements on www.Kahnawake911.com for further information. 

Thanks for your attention in this important matter. We truly appreciate your cooperation and patience during this challenging time.

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Main Featured News

Important – Emergency calls ONLY at this time

Public Safety KMHC header

22, Tsothóhrha/December 2021

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC), the Public Safety Commission, and the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Peacekeepers are asking community members to refrain from calling for information regarding COVID-19 testing, vaccines, travel restrictions, and general information that is NOT related to an emergency situation. This is a direct response to the influx of calls and requests for information, which are clogging phone lines and taking personnel away from other important tasks and calls.

“Unfortunately, due to the increase in confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, newly implemented measures, high demand for COVID-19 vaccines and testing, our offices are being flooded with calls for information, and due to staffing issues, we cannot answer every call or question,” said Commissioner of Public Safety, Lloyd Phillips. “We are asking Kahnawa’kehró:non to call in cases of EMERGENCIES ONLY and to monitor local media for COVID-19 information.”

For the latest information on the State of Emergency, COVID-19 vaccination clinics, COVID-19 testing, and restrictions, please visit the Kahnawake911 website by clicking here.

We want to thank you for your patience and understanding.

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Daily Bulletin Featured Bulletin News

Public Health and testing sites are overrun

Public Health and testing sites are overrun.  All COVID-19 services within Kahnawà:ke and outside of Kahnawà:ke are unable to respond to demand at the current time. Here is important information to assist you in making a decision about your response based on today’s most up-to-date Public Health information (this can change quickly):

If you have received a positive result using a rapid test:

  • You must isolate for ten (10) days from the first day of symptoms
  • All household members must also isolate for ten (10) days.
  • You must advise your contacts that they should also isolate for ten (10) days if you were not wearing masks during your contact and your contact was more than ten (10) minutes

If you are a contact of a positive case outside of your household:

  • A high-risk contact is someone who is within two (2) meters for more than ten (10) minutes without a mask
  • If you are a high-risk contact of someone who received a positive COVID-19 result by rapid test or PCR, you MUST self-isolate for ten (10) days.  If you develop symptoms only (do not test if you have no symptoms), please do a PCR test.  If you are unable to do a PCR, please do a rapid test.
  • You must remain in isolation for ten (10) days no matter the result of your test if you are a high-risk contact of a positive case

Click here for the Home Isolation Procedure. Our main goal at this time is to work together to protect the community, our most vulnerable loved ones, and our essential service organizations

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Daily Bulletin Featured Bulletin Secondary Featured News

IMPORTANT NOTICE – New Procedures for Public Health Effective Immediately

As of today, (Tsothóhrha/December 21st, 2021) Kahnawà:ke’s Public Health Team will no longer be calling contacts of positive cases.

Due to the global drastic increase in active cases both in Quebec and Kahnawake, immediate changes are required to manage COVID-19 cases and contacts.

Responsibility is being fully transferred to individuals. Community members can expect the following when identified as positive by a PCR lab test:

  • once a positive case is identified by the laboratory, regional public health will contact the community member to advise them of the positive result
  • the local (Kahnawà:ke) Public Health team will then be advised and will contact the community member to follow-up
  • a member of the local Public Health team will assist the positive case in identifying their contacts
  • the positive case will receive a generic letter for themselves, and for their contacts, that can be seen by clicking here
  • the local Public Health team will no longer call contacts – it is now the responsibility of the positive case to advise their contacts and it is the responsibility of the person advised to self-isolate when required by following the letter provided to them. To view an example click here.
  • Each community member must take action and be part of the solution

Reminders:

  • testing sites are very busy. We are only getting results in 72 hours average. Please make sure to isolate until you get your result even if you are feeling better
  • only get tested if you have symptoms – many testing sites are sending people home with a rapid test and told to come back only if positive to validate with a PCR
  • a negative rapid test is not a certain negative. If symptoms persist, please get retested with a PCR test

Holiday Hours:

  • The Kahnawà:ke testing site is open the following days over the holiday period:
    • Wednesday December 22nd
    • Wednesday December 29th
    • Wednesday January 5th
  • The vaccination site will not be open over the holiday period. The last day to schedule boosters before the holidays is Wednesday, December 22nd. No walk-ins. Please book an appointment through clic-sante that you can access through Kahnawake 911. Reminder: over 6000 people had their 2 doses in Kahnawake. We cannot vaccinate that many people with boosters all at once. Booster vaccinations will take several weeks to complete, and possibly longer.

Despite the fact that this is a busy time, the staff of the testing site and vaccination site absolutely need some time off over this holiday period in order to continue to provide service to the community. We thank you for being understanding and kind towards the staff who have given 100% percent of themselves to the community since day 1 of this pandemic. We also urge you to be kind to each other. Let’s make Facebook a place of joy and comfort and support rather than a place for lateral violence. We can all make the change. By supporting each other, taking care of each other, we can get through this 5th wave together.