Kahnawake Testing Goes Smoothly on Day One
Written by Paul Graif on 29 March 2020
It was a smooth day for the first day at the new Covid-19 testing site in Kahnawake according to Lisa Westaway, the Executive Director at the Kateri Memorial Hospital Center (KMHC).
A Walk-through testing option has been added for the site which is adjacent to the KMHC. Westaway says extra safety measures will be in place for those who are walking through. They to will require an appointment. 450-638-3930 Ext. 2296 or Ext. 2275. The phone lines and the site are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm seven days a week. Westaway said there were 17 appointments on Sunday between 2 pm and 4:30 pm. She also said additional measures will be taken to protect the identities of those getting tested. She asked the community to respect the privacy of those who are entering and exiting the site.
The latest numbers for the province have gone up as 340 new cases were announced on Sunday, bringing the total to 2840. Public Safety Commissioner Lloyd Phillips said that is a somewhat encouraging sign as it is below the original projections. “one glimmer of hope is that this shows that some of the strong measures taken across the province and taken in Kahnawake are starting to have an impact,” Phillips said. He said however, now is not the time to “let our foot off the gas,” and that we need to be prepared for this to last “weeks”.
Phillips said they have been receiving inquiries from those in the community who want to volunteer to help. The number to call is at the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake Offices 450-632-7500.
