Bimaadzwin Publication: COVID19 - First Nation Response

COVID-19 Information for First Nations This is the first in a weekly series, prepared as a free informational tool by Bimaadzwin Inc. Updated as of March 26th, 2020

(Wikwemikong Nursing Home)

 Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

What is COVID-19?

 The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue and tiredness, and a dry cough. These symptoms are often mild, and begin gradually – some do not develop any symptoms, and do not feel unwell.  Others who get COVID-19 become seriously ill and develop difficulties breathing – those with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness.

Ongoing COVID-19 Outbreak

 There have been over 500 000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world. In Canada, there are currently 3385 confirmed cases– with 35 deaths across the country (March 25).  There are no published numbers related to COVID-19 cases specifically on First Nations communities; however, some First Nations close to urban centres have reported cases.  Canada has encouraged ‘social distancing’ across the country – and is requiring that anyone returning home from another country, or from another province, be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days.  Some regions have declared a State of Emergency – allowing additional resources to be dispatched in response to the crisis.

 People can catch COVID-19 from others who are already infected with the virus. The disease can spread from person-to-person through small droplets that escape from the nose or mouth when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales.

Spread of COVID-19

 These droplets can land on surfaces around the person – and others can catch COVID-19 by touching these surfaces, and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 by inhaling these droplets directly – which is why it is important to stay at least 2 metres (2 feet) away from others.  It is possible that someone infected – whether they’re showing symptoms or not – is able to pass the virus onto any number of other people.

This is why ‘social distancing’ is being put in place.  By staying at home, we slow down how many people come into contact with COVID-19 – and slow down the number of people needing hospital treatment at the same time.

‘Flatten the Curve’

 There are lots of things that people can do to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, and help slow the spread of the virus around the world. The majority of these precautions are simple, and are things that people should do on a regular basis:

Protection Measures

 Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water; or with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis;  Keep a distance of at least 2 metres between you and others, and stay home as much as possible;  Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose;  Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue immediately – sneezing or coughing into your elbow ensures that your respiratory droplets are aimed downwards, consider cleaning the space below you after sneezing;  Stay home if you feel unwell – if you have a fever, cough, or difficulties breathing, reach out to your local medical authority by phone first.

 In order to protect yourself and others around you from the spread of COVID-19:  Wash your hands, and don’t touch your face!  Stay home – and if you have to go out for necessities (groceries, medicine, gas, etc.), stay at least 2 metres away from others!

Personal Protection

 Social distancing is the best possible tool we have to fight the spread of COVID-19 at this time.  Non-Essential businesses across the country have been asked to close, or to figure out means for their staff to work from home. Restaurants and bars are limited to take-out and delivery options.  Schools appear to be closed until at least September, 2020 across the country

Social Distancing

 It is critical that people stay home, and stay at least 2 metres away from others while out in public.

 First Nations communities across Canada have expressed uncertainty in these times. Many of our members are in the most vulnerable populations for COVID-19, and many of our communities' health care systems are already inadequate.  Remote indigenous communities are also aware of the increased risk of rapid spread within their communities – and the need for self-isolation before entering or returning to a remote community.

First Nations response to COVID-19

 If you think you have COVID-19, you can self-evaluate by following the instructions on this link developed by the Province of Ontario and Alberta Health Services  https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

(Wikwemikong Nursing Home)

Role of Indigenous Services Canada

 Indigenous Services Canada says that it is “working closely with First Nation partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada, other departments such as Heath Canada, Public Safety as well as provincial and territorial counterparts to protect the health and safety of First Nations and support First Nations communities in responding to the public health crisis resulting from the novel COVID-19.”  Indigenous Services has prepared a video – and has more information on its website:  Website (English) : https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581964230816/1581964277298  Video (English) : https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=71fFRFQn2VA&feature=youtu.be

 Indigenous Services Canada is making funding available to help First Nations prepare and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.  Examples of eligible activities include:

COVID-19 Related Expenses for First Nations

 Community or service provider level infection prevention and control supplies (soap, sanitizers, disinfectants, personal clinical supplies, community training, etc.);  Medical Transportation under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program: Travel (air, ground and water) / Meals and accommodations (note high-risk individuals eligible for private ground transportation, such as taxi, and private accommodations, such as hotel);  Emergency Transportation & additional escorts under the Non-Insured Heath Benefits Program: Travel (air, ground and water) meals and accommodations (note high-risk individuals eligible for private ground transportation, such as taxi, and private accommodations, such as hotel);  Health human resources surge capacity: primary care nurses and public health nurses, or other health providers such as paramedics and community workers;  Mental health services to support communities, particularly when they are facing affected individuals;  Adaptation of community space for surge capacity access to medical care or for self-isolation or other related purposes and additional operation and maintenance cost incurred by surge capacity requirements;  Storage costs of supplies;  On-the-land initiatives to support social isolation or food security; and,  Other types of expenses considered on a case-by-case basis.

Indigenous Services Canada Regional Medical Officers

 British Columbia Dr. Evan Adams, First Nations Health Authority Evan.Adams@fnha.ca 604-831-4898  Alberta Dr. Wadieh Yacoub, Indignous Services Canada sac.cdemergenciesaburgencesmtab.isc@canada.ca  Saskatchewan Dr. Ibrahim Khan, Indigenous Services Canada Ibrahim.khan@canada.ca 306-564-9175  Northern Inter Tribal Health Authority Dr. Dubuka, Northern Inter Tribal Health Authority nndubuka@nitha.com 306-953-5021

 Manitoba Dr. Michael Routledge, Indigenous Services Canada Michael.routledge@canada.ca 204-984-8924  Ontario Dr. Maurica Maher, Indigenous Services Canada Maurica.maher@canada.ca 1-833-978-2335  Quebec Richard Budgell, Indigenous Services Canada Richard.budgell@canada.ca 514-283-4774  Atlantic Dr. Eilish Cleary, Indigenous Services Canada Eilish.cleary@canada.ca 506-249-5713 If you live in the territories, please contact your regional health authorities in the territory where you are located.

 Indigenous Services Canada COVID-19 Website:

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581964230816/1581964277298

 Health Canada COVID-19 Updates : https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novelcoronavirus-infection.html

 World Health Organization:

More Information

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Below is the link to Ontario’s assessment – however British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have their own. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0

Miigwetch This information has been brought to you as a free public service by:

The content of this presentation is for informational purposes only.

Those who may have come into contact with COVID-19, or who have symptoms must self-isolate and call their health authority.

This presentation was developed to assist First Nation citizens and governments in understanding and responding to the growing crisis.

Information contained in this presentation is accurate as of March 26th, 2020.