The PDF version of this notice is available here
Date: December 17, 2021
From: COVID-19 Task Team and HFN Council
Re: COVID-19 Update # 27 – Further Implementation of Public Health and Hiawatha COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures
Aanii Hiawatha Citizens,
As you are aware, we sent out an update on December 16, 2021, regarding implementation of Public Health COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures. We know, based on the rate of transmission of the new variant, changes could occur daily, today new restrictions have been implemented.
The more we learn about Omicron, the more we understand that we do not have the luxury of waiting to act. The case numbers have doubled in the last two days, and to put it in the simplest terms Omicron is in our greater community, and we must act now.
The Province is reintroducing capacity limits in most indoor public settings and at all private indoor and outdoor gatherings. This is in addition to the required Public Health Measures mandated by the province (proof of vaccine, screening, hand hygiene, etc.) which continue to be in-force. Hiawatha First Nation will also be implementing these new indoor/outdoor limits.
To slow transmission and to allow time for people to get their third doses (boosters) and/or first/second vaccines Ontario is reducing the opportunities for close contact. As of Sunday December 19, 2021 the following indoor settings will have a 50% capacity limit:
- ● Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments and strip clubs;
- ● Personal care services;
- ● Personal physical fitness trainers;
- ● Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies);
- ● Shopping malls;
- ● Non-spectator areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities (e.g. gyms);
- ● Indoor recreational amenities;
- ● Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities;
- ● Tour and guide services; and
- ● Photography studios and services; and
- ● Marinas and boating clubs.
To further reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, additional protective measures are also being applied:
- ● The number of patrons permitted to sit at a table will be limited to 10 people and patrons will be required to remain seated in restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs.
- ● Bars and restaurants, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs will be required to close by 11 p.m. Take-out and delivery will be permitted beyond 11 p.m.
- ● Dancing will not be allowed except for workers or performers.
- ● Food and/or drink services will be prohibited at sporting events; concert venues, theatres and cinemas; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues.
- ● The sale of alcohol will be restricted after 10 p.m. and consumption of alcohol in businesses or settings after 11 p.m.
In addition, to mitigate COVID-19 transmission that can occur at informal social gatherings, Ontario is also reducing social gathering limits to:
- ● 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
Just a reminder to please follow all health and safety protocols and complete an antigen test before you gather.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols:
Practice physical distancing of at least two metres (6ft) with those outside your household.
- ● Wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so.
- ● Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
Face Coverings:
- ● For the best protection an N95 mask should be worn, if you are not fitted for an N95 mask, the next source of protection is a surgical mask. If you do not have either of these available a cloth mask will be your next source of protection.
Antigen Testing:
- ● We have provided antigen tests, surgical masks and will have these available upon further request.
- ● These home antigen tests are for asymptomatic people.
- ● As noted above, take an antigen test if you plan on attending a gathering.
Vaccines/HFN Vaccine Clinic:
Vaccines are one of the tools in mitigating the risk of contracting and transmitting the COVID-19 virus. If you are vaccinated you can still get COVID-19, however the series of vaccines (3 doses) significantly decreases your risk of hospitalization, going into ICU, and/or death.
The next vaccine clinic for Hiawatha is scheduled for January 15, 2022 for those eligible to receive their third dose (booster) and any person who would like to receive a first or second vaccine.
However, it was stressed to us today by Peterborough Public Health to get your third dose, or first or second vaccines, as soon as possible. Please book an appointment online at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call: 1-833-943-3900.
An information flyer on this urgent vaccination information was posted earlier today (December 17, 2021) on our website, social media pages, through an email blast and handed out with the antigen tests pick-up that also took place today.
Police Services:
For emergency services call 911.
For other incidents that require Police attention, which is not an emergency, please call the OPP Line at 1-888-310-1122 to report an incident.
PLEASE NOTE: As noted in the December 16th Update (#26), we will keep you informed of any further changes that arise. Please watch for updates on our Website, Social Media Pages and through email blasts. To help us in our communication efforts, please share any updates with your family, friends, neighbours who may not have access to social media.
As a reminder, our offices will be shut down from December 20, 2021 for two weeks, opening January 3, 2022. If you require any supplies due to self-isolation regarding COVID-19, please contact Chief Laurie Carr at 705-927-7012 or Administrator, Trisha Shearer at 705-977-0755 or Health Manager Tina Howard at 705-930-1107.
Once again, we know this isn’t the update you wanted to read, we thank you in advance for your efforts in keeping yourself, your family, your neighbours and Community safe.
“Our Citizens and Community remain our first priority and we will work to mitigate risks for best possible outcomes moving forward through the COVID-19 pandemic.”