Task Force announces Phase One Reopening, changes to Directives

05/13/2021

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to announce the Phase One Reopening and the related changes to various Directives.

With yesterday’s announcement that the alert level in Kahnawà:ke will be lowered to ORANGE next week, the Task Force has carefully considered the current situation. With a 74%vaccination rate of community members aged 16 and over in Kahnawà:ke and the significant reduction in new cases in the Montreal region, it was determined that a gradual and safe reopening strategy will be employed for a gradual return to a state of normalcy. 

Therefore, the following Phase One changes have been approved and will be in effect as of next Friday, May 21, 2021:

• Outdoor Gatherings will be increased to maximum of 12 persons, with same safety measures (Masking, Distance, Hygiene)
• With certain conditions, Outdoor Recreational Sports/Activities will be permitted. Participation in outdoor fitness activities (individual or group) is increased to 12. Team sports will be permitted, though there is a requirement for the various Associations to submit a safety plan for approval from the Task Force
• Restaurants will be permitted to allow 25% dine-in capacity from breakfast to 10pm for meal service only. Only Kahnawà:ke customers and persons who work in the community will be permitted to dine-in. Alcohol can be served with a meal only – no bar service. All safety measures remain in place (Distance, Hygiene, Masking, Registry, Ventilation), and site inspection will be required prior to opening
• Churches will be permitted an increase to 25% capacity, up to a maximum of 50 people. Safety measures remain in place (Masking, Distance, Hygiene). Please note that persons living in the same household are permitted to sit together.

Please note that COVID-19 still exists, but we have the knowledge to decide whether we want to participate in these activities or not, based on what level of risk we are willing to take. Risk will always exist but we can decrease it by hygiene, masks, distance, and vaccination measures.

The Task Force is asking the community to respect all directives for the continued safety of our elders and vulnerable population. The Task Force continues to meet and strategize on a regular basis and, when the situation warrants, the second phase of reopening will be announced.

For more information, please visit www.kahnawake911.com/reopening.