Directive 58 reminder – Cross Border Travelers

02/26/2021

With the March Break approaching, the Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to remind the community of Directive 58.

This directive applies to anyone crossing the border for periods longer than 24 hours for work or educational purposes and returning to Kahnawake. You may be exempt from mandatory isolation provided that:

• You have proof of a negative PCR test (lab test) results within the last 72 hours. (Rapid tests results are not accepted)
• If you receive weekly PCR tests and are negative, you may be exempt
• If you do not have a negative test result or weekly screening you must isolate for 14 days.
• There may be other limited work-related scenarios where an exemption may be provided

Those travelling on day trips for work, medical care, pick up prescriptions, or child custody arrangements are exempt from mandatory testing and isolation provided the trip is from point A to B. All other cross border travel will require that a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period be respected upon return. 

As previously stated, the Task Force recommends NOT to travel. The Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers receive information from the Canada Border Services Agency to ensure follow-up on those re-entering Canada, as per normal protocols. It should be noted that non-compliance can result in penalties for offenders.

This directive was put in place as a means of protecting our most vulnerable population (elders and those with compromised immune systems) from COVID-19.

The Task Force wishes to thank the community for their cooperation in this urgent matter.