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Current Public Health Measures as of July 20, 2021

Current Public Health Measures as of July 20, 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 (preferable) or another testing site (Chateauguay is best following Kahnawake to ensure faster results)
  • 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. (Especially important in daycare or school settings.  Your child can attend daycare if only presenting with a runny nose and no other symptoms). 
  • KMHC testing site presently opened on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Make an appointment by calling 450-638-3930 ext. 2296 or ext. 2275.
  • Persons over 6 years of age may now get tested with a gargle test if you present to the testing site within the first 7 days of symptoms.  You must have symptoms at time of test or test will not be reliable.

•           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.

  • All Kahnawake businesses and restaurants must maintain a registry of people who enter and leave the premises.  Public Health requires first and last name of each individual, their phone number and time of entry and departure

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

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Main Featured News

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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Vaccination News

The Times of Isreal article – It works: 0 deaths, only 4 severe cases among 523,000 fully vaccinated Israelis

A foreign resident living in Israel receives a dose of COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre for foreign nationals in the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv on February 9, 2021 during a campaign to vaccinate foreign workers and refugees against coronavirus. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
HMO data a week after 2nd dose shows 93% effectiveness, ‘unequivocally’ proving vaccine’s success and leaving ‘no doubt’ it’s saved many Israeli lives, says Maccabi official. (Excerpt from The Times of Isreal article).

Read the full article here:

Click here
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News Vaccination News

Doctor Explains mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

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News Vaccination News

COMMUNIQUÉ – Update on upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccinations

Medicine in vials and syringe , ready for vaccine injection , Cancer Treatment , Pain Treatment and can also be abused for an illegal use

COMMUNIQUÉ

Update on upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccinations

For immediate release

(Kahnawake – 27, Tsothohrhkó:wa/January 2021) The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force (the Task Force) wishes to update the community on the status of the upcoming Mass Vaccination campaign.

As we have been successful in having Kahnawà:ke prioritized, the Task Force can confirm that the entire community will have the opportunity to be vaccinated before March 31, 2021. Kahnawà:ke is confirmed to receive the approximate 6500 vaccines required for first dose of all community members in one (1), or maximum two (2), shipments.

The Task Force remains hopeful that mass vaccinations will begin by the end of February or early March; however this will be dependent on vaccine availability.

The following information is also being provided for additional clarity:

  • The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) is  hopeful that they will be able to vaccinate elders who are at home (and not mobile) by the nurses from the homecare team. Please note that we cannot confirm this at this time, as it is dependent on type of vaccine that will be available
  • We can confirm that the Mohawk Bingo Hall is ready as the mass vaccination site, and that KMHC nurses will vaccinate our community members, with Kahnawà:ke Fire Brigade paramedics on-site to assist.
  • Staff members from various community organizations will collaborate to work together within the vaccination site
  • Only Kahnawa’kehró:non will be vaccinated at the Mohawk Bingo Hall site
  • Many front-line workers have already been vaccinated and will continue to be at the various vaccination sites in the Montérégie area

As soon as we have more information, the Task Force will provide the community with details on how and when to make an appointment for the vaccine.

Additional information on the vaccine can be viewed at www.kahnawake911.com/faq.

-30-

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Main Featured News Vaccination News

Vaccine Safety in Canada

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Daily Bulletin Featured Bulletin

KMHC Communiqué – Christmas Gift Tree 2020

Simple vector christmas tree made from paper stripe - original new year card

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) wishes to inform the community that this year’s Christmas Gift Tree for the Residents will be done by phone. Due to the pandemic, there will be no physical tree for community members to take a tag.

Here is the process to follow if you are interested in participating in this year’s Christmas Gift Tree:

  •  Call KMHC at 450-638-3930 to speak with the Switchboard Operator
  • The operator will enter the caller’s name and contact information on a list
  • The operator will provide the caller with a number, anonymously representing one of our residents
  • The operator will provide the caller with important shopping details such as clothing sizes and other preferences. Food (Prepackaged or Homemade) is not accepted 
  • Once all numbers are distributed, the event will close
  • Gifts must be dropped off the Sunday Drop-Off from 10:00-1:00, on December 13th

Please label all gifts with the assigned number for easy identification.

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Main Featured News

Business Interruption Fund will be available should stricter measures be imposed by the Kahnawa:ke Task Force

Read the full release:
Click here

Tewatohnhi’saktha will continue to administer the Business Interruption fund (BIF) for eligible fixed operating expenses should stricter measures be imposed by the Kahnawa:ke Task Force and businesses are forced to close.  Claims are reviewed on a case by case basis and submitted to the KERM Committee for approval.

Business can apply for up to $3,000 to cover additional fit-up modifications should stricter measures be imposed.    

In the that stricter measures are imposed, contact Tewatohnhi’saktha Business Services 450-638-4280 for more information or apply online at www.tewa.ca

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Daily Bulletin Featured Bulletin

KMHC Communiqué – KMHC Board of Directors Respond to Bullying

Shé:kon Kahnawa’keró:non

As members of the Board of Directors for the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC), we understand that the COVID-19 Pandemic is a stressful and trying time for everyone.  The health and wellbeing of our friends and family is foremost in everyone’s thoughts and actions. The entire staff at KMHC have been working diligently to ensure the health and safety of all our clients, as well as collaborating on the community level with the COVID-19 Task Force.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all our staff and management team. Also, to remember the importance of being kind to one another during these difficult times.

 Should any community member have any comments or complaints, please contact the KMHC Users Committee at 450-638-3930 extension 2205 to voice their concerns.

Senhniseriiósten,

Board of Directors
Kateri Memorial Hospital Center

Rhonda Kirby
Bronson Cross
Stephanie Horne
Joseph Styres
Lois Montour
Kathy Jacobs
Arnold Lazare

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Daily Bulletin Featured Bulletin

KMHC Communiqué – Dr. Fuller Continues Work for Public Health

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) wishes to inform the community that Dr. Fuller has had to cancel her clinics until further notice. With the second wave of the pandemic, her work and time commitment as a Public Health doctor with Public Health of the Cree Health Board has increased drastically and she has had to postpone her progressive return to a usual clinic schedule.  

Please be aware that this is temporary – Dr. Fuller is planning to return to KMHC as a family doctor, and she hopes to begin scheduling clinic time to be able to see her clients at KMHC as soon as possible. Dr. Fuller has asked KMHC to share this message: 

” I’m very sorry that I cannot be available to you directly for clinic appointments during this challenging time. I know from my own experience how it is often challenging to access appointment visits with one’s family doctor and how frustrating that can be when you are trying to get help when you need it. It has always been important to me as a doctor to try my best to ensure my patients can get an appointment within a reasonable amount of time. I am grateful to my wonderful colleagues at KMHC for continuing to find ways to help you get the medical care you need during my temporary absence. Thank you for understanding that I am currently needed elsewhere, and for doing your part, whatever that is, in keeping people around you safe during this pandemic. I hope to see you all again as soon as possible.” 

Dr. Colleen Fuller, MD MSc, CCFP, FRCPC
Public Health & Preventive Medicine Physician, Onkwata‘karitáhtshera, Kahnawà:ke and Public Health Department of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay Family Physician, Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre, Kahnawà:ke Faculty Lecturer, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University 

Despite Dr. Fuller’s absence, KMHC would like to assure the community that Dr. Fuller’s patients can continue to access care at the hospital when needed. 

For anyone who is Dr. Fuller’s patient, if you have any semi-urgent issues, please contact us to speak first with a nurse. For any urgent issues please go to the nearest emergency room. Our Saturday clinics remain available for all our patients in the community. 

Patients with long-standing prescriptions from Dr. Fuller will be able to renew any long-term prescription medication with the pharmacist at KMHC. The pharmacy will be able to match the original duration of the prescription of a minimum of three (3) months; for the pharmacy to renew, the prescription must have been for a minimum of a three (3) month period. Patients who go to another pharmacy should ask their pharmacist if the same arrangement can be made. 

KMHC greatly appreciates our community for all the continued support, patience, and understanding during these trying times.