8 New Cases for Covid-19 and Recommended Masking Measures
Written by Jeremy Zafran on 15 July 2021
The Public Safety division in Kahnàwake announced there is a single cluster and outbreak of 8 cases of COVID-19 in the community. Lisa Westaway is the Executive Director at the Kateri Memorial Hospital Center:
“Presently the 8 active cases are not vaccinated or are not fully vaccinated. Now the impact of that is not just on them and those eight people, the impact is on all the contacts who are not vaccinated who have to self-isolate for 14 days. This means loss of pay, loss of work, loss of well-being, being isolated in a room away from family. There are huge impacts and consequences to the community because of particular case of unvaccinated people.”
Commissioner of Public Safety Lloyd Philips talks about public health measures:
“We’re comfortable where we’re at in terms of measures. We did release the Phase 4 last Friday and we did say it’s going to be reassessed as we move forward, but I can confirm today that the current Phase 4 measures and the current public health measures will remain status quo until July 23rd, so that’s a week and a half roughly from today at which time they will be reassessed and there may be some changes made at this time.”
As for Recommended Masking Measures, for those who have been partially or fully vaccinated, The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre, Public Health Department and the Public Safety Commission state that the new recommendations are meant as a guide, leaving it to the individual and their acceptable levels of risk. Those who are in 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. A reminder when you are fully vaccinated no mask or physical distancing required when outdoors with a small group, or when with people from multiple households. As for indoors with a small group of fully vaccinated individuals it is recommended to wear a mask and follow all measures at indoor or outdoor gatherings where people may closely gather. A reminder that Masking measures are still mandatory in all public indoor spaces and for all local businesses and public buildings, in common spaces.
