Coronavirus situation being monitored

03/04/2020

The Public Safety Division of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) and the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) would like to assure all Kahnawa’kehró:non that they are well aware of the situation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its affects globally. It should be made clear that there is currently no pandemic, and the situation is being monitored.

To avoid unnecessary stress, we are encouraging people to ensure they are getting their information from credible sources, such as the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Center for Disease Control, and other professional organizations.

“The risk to the average person is low,” states Commissioner of Public Safety, Lloyd Phillips. “Health care professionals are frustrated with the amount of false information on social media and with the 24-hour news cycle that makes the issue headline news every hour.”

As COVID-19 is a public health issue, the KMHC will take the lead if any Kahnawà:ke response is required, and Public Safety will support and partner when needed. Kahnawà:ke has a Pandemic Plan, and we have also identified key individuals who would be ready to assist in our efforts should the need arise.

KMHC and Public Safety will continue to monitor the situation through the Public Health Agency of Canada, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization and will update the community as required.

As with any virus or infections, the community is encouraged to take usual precautions, such as hand washing and cough etiquette.

For any questions, please contact Public Safety at 450-632-0635 or email pubsafe@mck.ca.