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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.

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 14^th, 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.

COMMUNIQUÉ

NEW Recommended Masking Measure

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

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.