Edition Number 8 -- COVID-19 Bulletin for First Nations and Indigenous Peoples

#BreakTheChain Issue No. 8 May 14th 2020

COVID-19 Information for First Nations Stories From Across Turtle Island This is the eighth in a weekly series, prepared as a free informational tool by Bimaadzwin Inc. Updated as of May 14th, 2020

(FORBES)

COVID-19 and the ongoing outbreak..

First Nation’s Roadblocks and Dance-Offs..

Sioux Defying South Dakota..

Ontario’s Slow Plan to Re-Open..

Québec’s Not-So-Slow Plan..

In this Issue…

Manitoba’s New Tracking Metrics..

Plus some Tips and Tricks for: Kids and COVID-19..

Pets and COVID-19..

Running and COVID-19..

Shopping and COVID-19..

COVID-19 is the disease associated to the novel coronavirus that was discovered in late 2019. On March 11th, 2020 – the World Health Organization assessed the COVID-19 outbreak as a global health pandemic.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that impacts the lungs – and can be spread from person-to-person through droplets that leave an infected person when they cough or sneeze, and can stay on surfaces for an extended period of time. Symptoms of COVID-19 have included a cough, high fever, difficulties breathing, and pneumonia in both lungs.

Symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear after someone has been exposed to COVID-19 – and some may not present any symptoms at all.

The best way to protect yourself is to social distance – to stay at least 2m (6ft) away from other people, and to avoid leaving your house for non-essential reasons.

Ongoing COVID-19 Outbreak

There have been over 3.7 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world, with over 250,000 deaths. In Canada, there are currently 71,486 confirmed cases– with 5,209 deaths across the country (May 13).

Cases: 05.13.2020

All regions of Canada are enforcing social distancing regulations. People are encouraged to stay home, except for going out for necessities like groceries or medication.

While going outside to exercise, do not use parks or playgrounds – stick to trails and footpaths. Stay at least 2m (6ft) away from those who do not live with you while out exercising.

People are encouraged to not visit each other’s houses – and to not allow visitors into their own homes. Although this distancing is difficult for everyone, it is a necessary step to protect the health and safety of everyone.

First Nations are starting to see spread – Walpole Island FN has now five confirmed cases; it is critical that people postpone travel to First Nations communities and respect local restrictions and regulations.

This is a challenging time for everyone. If you need to talk to someone – the Hope for Wellness Helpline (1-855-242-3310) is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is also available for those 5-29 years old.

Countries around the globe are facing similar challenges with the spread of COVID-19 – however, those countries who have enforced strict social distancing guidelines have started to see their curves flatten.

Flattening the Curve

Canada’s efforts appear to be working – and is keeping our health system from being overwhelmed – however, this cannot be taken as a sign to let up our efforts. We must continue social distancing, increased hand washing, and wearing a face covering to ensure that the outbreak remains under control.

This does not mean that we can let up what we are doing – it is simply a sign that what we are doing is working, and that we need to continue our efforts.

We are standing united – by staying apart.

First Nations Roadblocks and Dance-Offs

First Nations across the country are taking the protection of their members – and the safety of their community – into their own hands, and have set-up checkpoints along the borders of their communities to deter visitors from entering during this time. Some communities have even asked their members to restrict the number of times they exit the community, and to enforce curfews inside the community to encourage people to stay in their own homes.

First Nations leaders across the country have also been speaking about how proud they are of the members in their communities for respecting these restrictions, trying their best to stay at home; and to visitors who are delaying their visits and business in the communities until a safer time.

Although, in Ontario, the province has not commented on the ability of communities to fine people who violate the checkpoints – the case across the country is that people have been extremely respectful of First Nation’s wishes to not have visitors during this time – as most Canadians are taking social distancing seriously!

The border checkpoints have also become the theme of a viral dance-off between volunteers in communities all over!

Check out the dance-off videos posted to Facebook on Garden River First Nation’s and Serpent River First Nation’s pages to get in on the fun!

Sioux Defying South Dakota

Much of the world’s attention to the COVID-19 outbreak has turned to the United States – where delays in implementing social distancing restrictions led to a significant increase in cases in states across the country. Although New York, California, Florida, and Louisiana had the first spike in cases because they were important gateways and gathering places in February and March of 2020; states like Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas are now seeing a significant number of cases for having not put any restrictions in place until late April.

The State of South Dakota is now planning on starting its reopening process, against the recommendations of many public health experts. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is standing up for the health of its people, and is refusing to remove the roadblocks and checkpoints – and is requesting that all visitors refrain from coming to the tribe’s territory for the foreseeable future – despite the state’s plan to reopen.

Although the Governor of South Dakota declared these checkpoints illegal – the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is continuing to enforce its jurisdiction on its lands, and to protect the health and safety of its members. Seventeen republican and democrat state legislators signed a letter to the Governor stating that her statement was untrue, and that the tribe does in fact have the right to restrict access as per the 1851 and 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty.

As the Chairperson of the Tribe, Harold Frazier, said to CNN: “We have to stand up and take care of ourselves, because they won’t.”

The provincial government in Ontario has recently announced that the province would be entering into the first stage of its re-opening plan on Thursday, May 14th 2020. Here are some things that have been announced:

Ontario’s Slow Re-Opening

Parks : Some Ontario Provincial Parks will be open on Monday May 18th; and others on May 22nd. These parks will only be open for day-use, and activities will be limited to activities such as walking, hiking, and birdwatching – and social distancing recommendations will be enforced.

Check out the Ontario Parks site for more information.

Shops : Some shops in Ontario will be allowed to resume retail sales – but this will be restricted to curbside pick-up only. Most stores will have a system for online or phone ordering, and then you can schedule a time to have things brought out to your vehicle. Other stores, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and some cannabis retailers, have begun offering delivery services in select regions. Check out their websites for more information.

Ontario’s Chief Public Health Officer has expressed some concern over Premier Doug Ford’s current three-stage plan to re-open Ontario.

Although some businesses will start operating again – it will be even more critical now that people stay at home whenever they possibly can, and to keep with social distancing – not only to protect yourself, but those who will be going back to work. Remember, if you are returning to work and you feel that it is not safe or sanitary, it is critical that you talk to your employer and reach out to your local health authority to discuss what can be done!

The situation in the province of Québec is quite particular in Canada – with the majority of the province seeing a steady ‘flattening of the curve’, and the possibility of starting to re-open certain services and businesses – and the city of Montréal, where the cases do not appear to be contained.

Québec’s Faster Plan

Québec is also the first province to propose opening certain services and businesses – with select schools and daycares in the regions outside of Montréal opening as early as last week. Schools and daycares are operating with significant cleaning and distancing regulations, but many parents – and health officials – remain concerned.

Montréal was also supposed to start opening schools and daycares this week, however this has been delayed until May 25th – for the time being – as a result of ongoing rise in cases in the city. The projections used by the government in this decision have been varying - some projections see as many as 100 deaths per day in Montréal, with an even higher number if they move forward with the opening – while others see little or no impact by the first phase of opening.

As always – it is important for everyone, in Montréal, and across Canada – to keep to social distancing and stay at home as much as possible, even as things begin to reopen. Just because businesses are open, does not mean it is business as usual – and staying at home not only protects yourself, but protects the lives of those in your community.

Manitoba Tracking RaceBased Statistics

Manitoba has become the first province to track its COVID19 cases and deaths by ethnicity – with Ontario and Québec announcing that they will soon start doing the same – which is an incredible shift for public health researchers in Canada.

In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom – researchers have seen significant racial divides in how COVID-19 affects communities. Having this information can help shine light on important inequalities that might exist, and can help target information and services to those who need it most.

Dr. Marcia Anderson, a Cree-Anishinaabe public health doctor and vice-dean for Indigenous health at the University of Manitoba calls the growing effort to collect these figures "a huge success story.” “I hope it sticks around in the future,” Dr. Anderson said, "to make visible the racism that exists in health care and other settings, and to make sure we intervene, measure our interventions and improve.”

In First Nations culture, our children are our future and we all take care of the children. They are always close and we often teach them by modeling. When we connect in this way with our children, we create a sense of hope, belonging, meaning and purpose.

Here are some suggestions when helping children through this time:

Children and COVID-19

Storytelling. Share your knowledge about your culture, call an Elder who will tell stories or read to your children Learn and share traditional knowledge. Learn outdoor survival skills. Share what you know about the plants, animals and land around you.

Incorporate ceremony. Smudge every morning, do sunrise ceremony, and check in with others to reaffirm your love and relationships.

Kind words and thoughtful gestures help. Use non-physical ways to show love to people while practicing social distancing.

Practice your traditional songs and language.

Integrate life skills. Teach young ones how to do daily household chores, cooking, cleaning and yard work.

Children learn so much through play and are especially happy when their parents and caregivers join in the fun.

Resource drawn from the First Peoples Wellness Circle

Children react to stress differently than adults – they may withdraw or behave in a more immature way (regress), seem anxious or clingy, be preoccupied with illness in their play or drawing, have problems sleeping or nightmares, or may get physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches.

Here are some tips for supporting children and young people:

Helping Kids React to COVID-19

1.

Reassure them they are safe.

2.

Encourage them to talk about how they feel.

3.

Tell them they can ask questions and answer these in plain language appropriate to their age, be honest but avoid details which may distress or cause anxiety.

4.

Tell them that feeling upset or afraid is normal, it’s good to talk about it and that they’ll feel better soon.

5.

Be understanding – they may have problems sleeping, throw tantrums or wet the bed – be patient and reassuring if this happens. With support and care, it will pass.

6.

Give your children extra love and attention.

7.

Remember that children look to their parents to feel safe and to know how to respond – reassure them, share that you are upset too but that you know you will all be fine together.

8.

Try to keep to normal routines – mealtimes, bedtimes etc. – allow them to get out and play, to go for a walk, etc....

9.

Help your kids feel in control – encourage frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your face, covering cough and sneeze and practicing social distance.

Young people, particularly adolescents, may feel the need to meet up with their peers as a way to avoid boredom or to manage their emotions. Talk to your teenager about what social distancing looks like, why it is necessary and identify other ways of socially connecting with their friends like FaceTime or other video chats.

Resource drawn from the First Peoples Wellness Circle

One of the ‘essential’ reasons that many of us continue to leave our homes during these times is to go to the grocery store – and with a few stores across Canada reporting some staff or customers that have tested positive – many are wondering how they can stay safe at the store.

Even since our last article on this topic – how we shop has changed – so here are some new tips!

More Tips for Grocery Shopping

1.

Be patient – stores are controlling how many people are inside at a time to ensure physical distancing, so it may take some time; respect distancing while in line.

2.

Follow signs – some stores have signs posters or stickers on the floor directing the flow of people, to avoid passing, and to mark spaces in line – they’re there to make everyone’s trip as safe as possible.

3.

Shop Alone – Fewer people in the store is always better, and some stores restrict access to one adult per household. (Don’t leave your kids in the car either!)

4.

Have a detailed list – Public health officials recommend dividing your list by isle, to limit time lingering around.

5.

Shop with your eyes – Touch only the things that you are actually going to buy, and leave things you’re unsure about on the shelf until you make a decision.

6.

Take only what you need – Canada’s food supply system is robust – so people only need to buy what they actually need; some officials recommend having two-week’s worth of nonperishables on hand, in case you or one of your loved ones does get sick.

7.

Pay with plastic – Cash, and the pin pad used for debit and credit transactions are some of the most touched surfaces out there. Although cash is still being accepted – many stores recommend using your debit or credit card to limit people touching cash; and using the tap feature is the safest option for you and the store’s staff!

There have been some conflicting stories in the news about COVID19 and nicotine use, with some reports from France noticing a lower-than-expected rate of smokers with COVID-19. However the World Health Organization has released a statement urging the public that there is not yet sufficient evidence to confirm any link between tobacco or nicotine and COVID-19 and its prevention or treatment. Here is the statement from the WHO:

Smoking and COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs.

Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes which put people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe illness when affected by COVID-19.

WHO is constantly evaluating new research, including research that examines the link between tobacco use, nicotine use, and COVID-19. A review of studies by public health experts convened by WHO on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.

WHO urges researchers, scientists and the media to be cautious about amplifying unproven claims that tobacco or nicotine could reduce the risk of COVID-19. There is currently insufficient information to confirm any link between tobacco or nicotine in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

Some of us enjoy running – while others cringe at the thought.

Nonetheless, it is an excellent way to get exercise during this COVID-19 outbreak; as it doesn’t require a team, or even any equipment (besides your legs and some shoes of course.) Here are some tips for running during the COVID-19 outbreak, to keep yourself and other safe:

Tips for Running During COVID-19

1.

Stay at least 12 feet (4 meters) away from others – although the recommendations say six feet, this doesn’t consider that you’re breathing heavier and sweating more – which pushes your body’s droplets into the air even more.

2.

Keep your eye on the path – anticipate what is coming, and plan for it – especially if someone is moving slower than you, you’re maybe in a better position to get out of their way. Be sure to communicate this by speaking loudly, or using hand signals.

3.

Wear a mask – but one that you can still breathe in – running takes a lot of oxygen, but you’re also breathing out a lot of droplets while you run. It’s important to wear a mask, but to find one that doesn’t inhibit your ability to breathe.

4.

Don’t run immediately where others have run – the wind naturally dissipates the droplets from our breath throughout the air, so giving just a little extra space behind someone else who is running is a good strategy to protect yourself.

Taking Care of Pets During COVID-19

There have been limited reports of animals becoming infected with COVID-19. There is currently no evidence that pets or other domestic animals play a significant role in the spread of COVID-19. If you are sick with COVID-19, it is recommended that you avoid contact with pets and other animals just like you would other people, until more is known.

However, for those pet owners who are just at home with their furry friends – they might have started to notice that you’ve been around a little more lately – and here are some tips on how to care for them during this time: Create a consistent daily routine. If your pet only went on three walks per day before COVID-19, maintain that level so when you return to work, your pet doesn’t expect to go on 10 walks a day.

Mealtime is the most anticipated event of the day and should be given at roughly the same time daily. If your pet’s meal times have changed since you’ve been home more, slowly start to move the time back to when they would normally be fed.

Institute “nap time” or “quiet time” throughout the day. This should be a time for rest, away from you (not under the desk, or perhaps on it, in your home office) to help your pet adjust to more upcoming time alone.

Go outside for a few minutes and then return. Animals need to understand that you can leave, and you always come back. That will help reduce separation anxiety.

Provide self-entertaining toys, or chew toys, to encourage independent activities.

– Health Canada is the best source of information on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Their website has up-to-date information on the current cases, government response, and how to best protect yourself.

Stay Informed

https://www.canada.ca/en/publichealth/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirusinfection.html – Health Canada has also developed an app that includes updates, protection measures, and a self-assessment tool. Download their app from the iOS or Android App Stores.

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 May 14th, 2020.