In preparation for the 2023 MNO Special Assembly, and in our efforts to prioritize citizen and staff safety, the MNO has been monitoring COVID-19 transmission, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit (“ICU”) admissions in Ontario.

 

With the large gathering anticipated for this Special Assembly and continuing COVID-19 transmission in Ontario, the MNO recognizes that there may be attendees at the Special Assembly who are asymptomatic but still contagious with COVID-19 (even if they are testing negative).

 

Given the above information, and expected attendance of vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, the MNO has put in place additional COVID-19 Safety Protocols to ensure the Special Assembly is as safe and enjoyable for all attendees as possible. The below protocols further supplement the measures identified in the Special Assembly notice and planning memo.

 

Safety Protocols:

• Every participant is strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada) and to have obtained any applicable booster of a COVID-19 vaccine if eligible to do so as of May 17, 2023.
• Prior to attending the Special Assembly, all participants must conduct a self-assessment by visiting this link: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ and we encourage you to administer a Rapid Antigen Test
• If you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms as outlined when completing the self-assessment or you do not feel well, you must stay home.

 

Upon Arrival and Before Check-In at the Hotel:

• All attendees must agree to and complete an Acknowledgment and Consent Form (this document will be sent out in advance for those who wish to complete it in advance of traveling).
• All family members will be required to complete a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival at the hotel and before they check-in.
• Those that have a negative test will receive a wrist band. Do not remove your wrist band or you will not be permitted to attend the Special Assembly. Wrist bands will be checked before you enter the meeting room.
• If you or anyone in your party tests positive for COVID, you will not be permitted to attend the Special Assembly and you will be required to return home.

During the Assembly:

• The MNO strongly encourages all attendees to wear an N95 or approved surgical mask throughout the Special Assembly when indoors or when in close contact outdoors.
• You will be provided with a Rapid Antigen Test Kit and masks to take with you at the MNO testing site. 
• Self-administer a Rapid Antigen Test if you are feeling unwell.

 

Meals at the Special Assembly:

• For those who have health or safety concerns, or who feel at risk eating in a large crowd, you will be provided with a takeout meal/container so that you may eat in a location of your choosing.

 

Should you require further information or have questions about the above safety protocols, please do not hesitate to contact Shelley Gonneville, Director of Healing and Wellness at Shelleyg@metisnation.org or at (613) 295-4501. Further information about the Special Assembly is also available on the MNO’s designated Special Assembly webpage.