Some Positives For Covid-19 Trickling In In Kahnawake
Written by Paul Graif on 4 April 2020
There have been a few positive tests for Covid-19 that have trickled in over the last few days according to Lisa Westaway, the Executive Director of the Kateri Memorial Hospital Center (KMHC).
100 people from Kahnawake have been tested so far in the first five and a half days that the local site has been open.
The testing site at the KMHC is being monitored by security 24 hours a day by 10 different volunteers who are working in shifts. One Peacekeeper is always on hand during the testing period each day as well. Emergency Management Coordinator Atiesa Foot said that they have placed a curtain, for privacy for those being tested, at the exit to the site.
1200 protective masks have been distributed to the Peacekeepers, the KFB and KSCS workers. 768 bottles of hand sanitizer that will arrive in the coming days. Foot says that more personal protective equipment will arrive in the community early next week. Foot also says the signs limiting Kahnawake to residents, shipments and essential workers will be going up in the next few days.
Fire Brigade Chief David Scott says that all Paramedic shifts are being covered as required. They and the firefighters are spending 24 hours straight in station and are not permitted to go home during that time.
Scott asks that if you call for an emergency and if you have the symptoms to please tell the dispatcher so that the first responders can be adequately prepared in case of Covid-19 transmission. Family members are not permitted in the ambulance on any transport to hospital unless it is to accompany a minor.
Grass fires, brush fires and debris should not be burned at home. “Burning grass at home will not help it. Firefighting is a close contact team effort and it is difficult to practice physical distancing and it is labour intensive to disinfect all of the equipment and trucks after a call,” Scott said.
