Author: MCK PR

Categories
News Vaccination News

COVID-19 Vaccination Dates

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to advise Kahnawa’kehró:non of the confirmed dates for COVID-19 vaccinations. Please book your appointment by clicking here, or walk-in (residents only) at the Mass Vaccination Center, located at Mohawk Bingo on R-138.

In addition to earlier information on the upcoming clinics, please note that these clinics are now open for the following groups:

  • Children 5 to 11 years old, for 1st and 2nd doses 
  • 12 to 17-year-olds, for 1st and 2nd doses
  • 18+ for 1st and 2nd doses and boosters

Confirmed dates and times for upcoming Vaccination Clinics:

  • Friday, January 21 – 9am to 4:30pm
  • Saturday, January 22 – 9am to 4:30pm
  • Monday, January 24 – 12pm to 7:30pm
  • Tuesday, January 25 – 12pm to 7:30pm
  • Wednesday, January 26 – 9am to 4:30pm
  • Thursday, January 27 – 12pm to 7:30pm
  • Friday, January 28 – 9am to 4:30pm

For anyone who is unsure of when they should receive their additional dose of the vaccine, please refer to the Important information regarding COVID-19 vaccine intervals notice that was issued earlier. For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccine, local health measures and restrictions, please visit www.Kahnawake911.com.

Categories
News

Important information regarding COVID-19 vaccine intervals

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to provide Kahnawa’kehró:non with information regarding the recommended intervals between doses for COVID-19 vaccines:

The recommended* interval between the 1st and 2nd doses to get the best immune response for ALL age groups is 8 weeks, with the minimum being 21 days for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days for MODERNA.

*Although these intervals are recommended, the choice is ultimately yours, whether to wait (the full 8 weeks or more) or get it sooner (must at least be respecting the minimum of 21 or 28 days).

Additional details for specific age groups:

Children 5-11 years old (Pediatric Pfizer)

  • No boosters

 Children 12-17 years old (Adult Pfizer)

  • No boosters

Adults 18-29 years old (Adult Pfizer)

  • Pfizer will be administered (despite if first or second dose was MODERNA) to reduce risk of myocarditis or pericarditis (heart inflammation) although this is a rare side effect.
  • Boosters recommended 3 months after 2nd dose (which is when immunity starts to decrease)

Adults 30 years and older

  • Moderna being administered only, despite what was received in the past because of decreasing supply across the province. It is recommended to get whatever vaccine you get as soon as you are eligible.
  • Boosters recommended 3 months after 2nd dose (which is when immunity starts to decrease)

After having COVID-19

  • Recommendation is to wait at least 8 weeks from start of symptoms to get the booster (that’s when immunity starts to decrease)
  • Minimum interval from start of symptoms is 21 days
  • If you had symptoms but are unsure if you had COVID, it is best to follow the recommendations with the assumption that you had COVID

For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccine, local health measures and restrictions, please visit the Kahnawake911 website.

Categories
Main Featured News

Border Travel Reminder

Public Safety KMHC header
View PDF

The Public Safety Commission wishes to remind the community that the United States-Canada border is still closed to non-essential travel. Anyone who decides to cross the border MUST comply with all enforced border regulations of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Public Safety and Public Health are NOT responsible for the rules and regulations in place at the border. The Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers receive information from the CBSA to ensure follow-up on those re-entering Canada, as per normal protocols. For further information on Border rules and regulations, please visit https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/covid/menu-eng.html.

Categories
Main Featured News

COVID-19 Outbreak

Public Safety KMHC header
Click to View PDF

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre’s (KMHC) local Public Health team and the Public Safety Commission would like to present updated statistics to the community regarding active COVID-19 cases.

As of July 14th, 2021:

• 8 active cases (none of which are fully vaccinated)

• Approximately 60 people in isolation

Although we have significantly reduced Public Health measures, COVID-19 is still present and is still a very real risk, especially for people who are not fully vaccinated (2 doses). Our current status of 8 active cases and high number of contacts in isolation is proof that we must remain vigilant and ensure to maintain masking and distancing measures where warranted. Although we are in a “green” state of alert, the pandemic is not over. 

We must learn to live with COVID-19 amongst us and in order to do so and remain healthy, we must maintain a certain amount of public health measures. We must also be mindful that children under 12 are not vaccinated. Also, only 44% of our community 12 and up are fully vaccinated and only 1 in 3 adults over 18 are fully vaccinated. There remains a risk of getting and transmitting COVID-19 within the community, with potential for long term COVID-19 consequences, severe illness or death. We have a collective responsibility to stay vigilant, respect measures when in groups of people who are not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is not known and to stay home when we have COVID-19 symptoms and be tested. If we follow these basic principles as a community, we can minimize the risk and still live our lives as openly and freely as possible.

We will provide you with updates regarding this most recent outbreak as it evolves. Local Public Health would like to emphasize the importance of being vaccinated with two doses in order for vaccination to be effective against the existing variants of concern as well as any new variants that may arise. One dose is no longer effective against predominant COVID-19 variants. Those contacts who are vaccinated with two doses are not required to isolate. Those with 1 dose or no vaccination at all who are contacts are required to self-isolate for 14 days if considered a contact of Public Health.

For anyone wishing to be vaccinated with their first dose, we currently have 78 doses of Moderna to be used within the next two weeks. Please call the KMHC at 450-638-3930 ext. 2295 and leave your name and phone number. We will arrange a vaccination time for you. We also have two upcoming vaccination clinics at the Kahnawake Sports Complex: July 28th and 29th – second doses primarily for Pfizer and first doses if requested. July 30th, second doses primarily for Moderna and first doses if requested.

A reminder again to get tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms. This is the best and quickest way for Public Health to minimize the spread of the virus throughout the community and for us to continue to enjoy the relaxed measures that are currently in place.

The KMHC testing site is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You can make an appointment by calling the KMHC at extension 2275 or 2296.

If you require information or clarification regarding Public Health measures please contact the local Public Health Team at KMHC at 438-836-5278 or 438-836-4853.

Categories
News

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)

Download PDF

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.

Categories
News Vaccination News

Update: Progress on re-booking second dose vaccinations

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (“KMHC”) and the Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (“Task Force”) would like to provide the community with an update on the progress of re-booking vaccine appointments for the second dose.

The staff at the KMHC is still in the process of cancelling and re-booking new vaccination appointments, as previously reported to the community. This is a laborious task and requires some additional time to complete.

The KMHC is also asking community members to refrain from calling the hospital for updates on specific vaccination appointments. Instead, please continue to monitor your email and/or text messages for confirmation of your new appointment.

Additionally, some Kahnawa’kehró:non may have already received more than one cancellation notice for their previously booked appointment. The KMHC is aware of this situation and is currently working on resolving this technical issue.

You can also visit www.kahnawake.911.com/vaccine for further information and updates on this process, once they become available.

The KMHC is asking for your patience and understanding throughout this process.

Do your part to protect your loved ones and community by wearing your mask, practicing proper hygiene, social distance and get vaccinated

Categories
News Vaccination News

Vaccinations for community members 12-15 years of age to begin this week

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (“KMHC”) and the Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (“Task Force”) would like to remind Kahnawa’kehró:non that vaccinations for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 begin this week.

This vaccination clinic will be held at the Bingo Hall on Route 138 on:

  • Thursday, June 3 from 3pm until 6:30pm
  • Friday, June 4 from 1pm until 6:30pm
  • Saturday, June 5 from 9am until 3pm

To book your appointment please visit www.kahnawake911.com/vaccine  and click on the link to Quebec’s Clic Sante portal. Those over the age of 14 do not require parental consent to receive the vaccine. Those under the age of 14 require parental consent to receive the vaccine. The parental consent form can be found at the aforementioned website when booking your appointment.

“This is another crucial phase in the vaccination campaign but more importantly in ensuring that our community remains safe as we move forward towards a new normal,” said Lisa Westaway, Executive Director of the KMHC. “Vaccinations protect our most vulnerable and will contribute greatly to return to school in the fall in a safe and secure way. Our children deserve to be learning on-site. Vaccinations will ensure that they can be back in school, meeting their mental health, physical, social and psychological needs, while at the same time protecting their families and loved ones.”

Additionally, local residents who may require more information or have questions about the vaccines and adolescents can contact a nurse from Public Health at 450-638-3930 ext 2213. Other vaccine related information is available on various government websites to help you make an informed decision regarding vaccinations:

https://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/fichiers/2021/21-279-42WA.pdf

https://immunize.ca/sites/default/files/Resource%20and%20Product%20Uploads%20(PDFs)/COVID-19/covid-q-and-a_e.pdf

Do your part to protect your loved ones and community by wearing your mask, practicing proper hygiene, social distance and get vaccinated

Categories
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.

Categories
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!  

Categories
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.