Edition 10: COVID-19 Bulletin for First Nations and Indigenous Peoples

#BreakTheChain Issue No. 10 May 28th 2020

COVID-19 Information for First Nations Decision Making for the Future with COVID-19 This is the tenth in a weekly series, prepared as a free informational tool by Bimaadzwin Inc. Updated as of May 28th, 2020

COVID-19 and the ongoing outbreak..

Ontario’s Slow Reopening..

Future of Care Post COVID-19..

Best Community Protection – Wear a Mask..

What happens when my province reopens?..

In this Issue…

Business Continuity..

Summer Social Distancing Ideas..

Living with the Virus..

Testing and Contact Tracing..

Marble League 2020..

Fact-Checking COVID-19..

Ongoing COVID-19 Outbreak

There have been over 4.7 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world, with over 320,000 deaths. In Canada, there are currently 86,939 confirmed cases– with 6,671 deaths across the country (May 27).

Cases: 05.27.2020

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.

Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford started to roll-out a slow reopening plan for the province over the last few weeks – however, a recent rise in new daily cases has put some of these plans on hold for now. Ontario had already announced that schools would not re-open this year – but that some businesses could start having more employees inperson, and some customers inside the store – with strict social distancing and cleaning rules in place.

Ontario’s Slow Re-Opening

Unfortunately, Ontario’s daily new cases rose again to be above 400 – the first time in over a week – which is making the province reconsider its re-opening plans; and have instructed some businesses to close again. This was exacerbated by the images of a huge number of people going to Trinity Bellwood's Parks in Toronto. However, it’s been noted that the significant majority of cases is in the Toronto area – which is causing some to ask if others regions might be able to start re-opening sooner.

Even as provinces outline plans to re-open – it is not a sign that everything goes back to normal, and you can start inviting everyone over to your house again – it just means that we are figuring out how to live with the virus. It is still critical that you stay at home as much as possible, social distance from others while out in public, and make sure to get accurate information from your local health authority before making decisions.

This last week has brought forward devastating news from LongTerm Care homes in cities across the country – not only have they been overwhelmed by COVID-19 – military personnel sent in to support the homes have reported heartbreaking and disgusting experiences that should be unimaginable in Canada.

Future of Care Post COVID-19

Unfortunately – Canada’s healthcare system fails to properly serve people in a lot of ways, and First Nations often experience this first hand. However, the constant cycle of news – and the particular focus on our health system – has brought a lot of these significant challenges to the front-of-mind of many Canadians. There is a lot of hope that this COVID-19 pandemic and national crisis will finally push governments to make adequate changes to support our healthcare system.

Some small victories have already happened – and should be celebrated! Canada is now going to ensure that all workers have access to ten days of paid sick leave, no matter their position. Now, countless frontline workers – especially those like our grocery store clerks and cashiers – will be able to take paid sick leave from work when they need it, and feel comfortable knowing their job – and their bills – are secure.

It’s important as individuals – and as communities – that we take this time to evaluate the supports and services that exist, which ones failed us in this crisis, and which ones supported us – so that we can make them even stronger in the future.

FNHA – Leading The Way in First Nations Care

The First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia – the health authority that plans, manages, and delivers health programs across First Nations communities in BC – has been working closely with federal and provincial partners to track the spread of COVID-19 in the province, and to provide BC First Nations with the information they need to keep themselves safe.

The FNHA put together an online portal for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) that includes information for individuals and families, frequently asked questions, information for community leaders, and critical information for healthcare professionals and providers.

Check out the FNHA’s website for more information about BC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as key information for BC First Nation Governments.

First Nations Health Authority - COVID-19

Best Community Protection – Wear a Mask!

The warm summer months usually mean spending a lot of time outdoors – enjoying parks, or restaurants – or spending time with family members and the community at various gatherings and activities out on the land. Although many large gatherings will remain cancelled for the summer – this doesn’t mean that people won’t be able to enjoy the things they like.

While out in public – whether it be fishing with family, enjoying a restaurant’s outdoor patio, or walking along a lakefront park – the best way to protect yourself and others is to wear a mask. An international team of researchers examined a century’s worth of mask studies found that a face covering made of multiple layers of cloth might help slow transmission of COVID-19.

Although homemade face masks aren’t perfect – they do tend to keep a person’s own mouth droplets to themselves – and has a modest reduction in transmission if it is widely used by people while out in public. This means that everyone should find a mask to wear while out – and wash it regularly. It is important that although people are wearing masks, they don’t feel like this stops the virus – so that they stop washing their hands or social distancing. We have to do a combination of all of them to protect ourselves and our communities.

What happens when my province opens?

Considerations for First Nations Governments

Provincial and territorial governments across the country are starting to roll out their slow re-opening plans, that often include three or four phases of ‘opening’, with different levels of social distancing and sanitization measures in place. There are some important considerations that First Nations leaders should consider when responding to provincial re-opening plans, and planning their own slow openings.

Testing and Cases in the Community – Most important is having a firm awareness of the number of cases within the community, and to have sense of how members are currently staying-at-home, or travelling to other regions for groceries or other necessities. This will help give you a sense of what kind of restrictions can be lifted – either outside travel, or gatherings or other activities within the community itself.

Travel Restrictions – Some regions are being hit harder by COVID-19 than others, and given that certain communities rely on neighboring municipalities for essential services – some communities are considering opening a travel region to their members, for example Listuguj opening travel to Campbellton in New Brunswick, across the river; but requiring that any member who leaves that region self-isolate at home after their return.

Visitors – In order to protect members of remote and isolated communities – many leaders have asked that any visitors to the community postpone their visits for the next weeks or months; however, many important projects have to get underway during the summer months and require visitors to the community. Each case should be considered individually – some visitors might be able to enter, do their work, and leave without any contact – and others might be willing to self-isolate or get tested before travelling, to ensure no transmission of COVID-19.

Events and Gatherings – If remote communities put in place strict regulations to ensure that people stay within the community, and visitors self-isolate before coming – it is possible for some normal group activities can happen over the summer, like fishing, hunting, or gathering berries now and wild rice later – however, groups should be no more than 5-10 people, from only two or three households – and everyone should wear a mask!

Business Continuity – Serving Our Communities Through COVID-19

Many business owners are feeling anxious to re-open – and many small businesses on First Nations communities want to be able to provide their neighbors and community members with their services. However, there are some important considerations that business owners should think about before moving to re-open.

Social Distancing – Businesses that are currently still operating have put in place social distancing restrictions, and are asking their customers to respect these rules. This includes putting arrows on various isles to direct traffic, limiting the number of shoppers and staff in the store, and putting a piece of clear plastic between the customer and clerk at the checkout counter. Many customers are going to expect these protections in place for the time being, and many large retailers are even requiring that their customers wear masks while in the store.

Sanitization – One of the best ways to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff while in the store is to make sure that there is enough sanitization equipment – and all oftentouched surfaces are cleaned regularly. This could mean putting out a hand sanitizer station at the entrance to the store, and wiping the credit/debit pin pad after a customer uses it.

Curbside or Home Delivery - Many businesses are experimenting with curbside or home delivery, and even small stores have moved to online shopping. Small businesses in your community might be able to start offering their services by meeting customers at their cars – that limits contact with others, and keeps the people inside the store down to a small number of staff.

Social distancing through the summer months doesn’t have to mean looking at sunshine and warm weather from inside a window. There are so many ways to get outside – or to keep yourself active – while staying away from others.

Summer Social Distancing Ideas

While playgrounds and climbing equipment might still be closed going into the summer – many open fields, parks, and trails are open for you to use! You can play any number of sports with your family – go explore along the banks of an interesting river near your house – or maybe make a bunch of paper airplanes, and see whose can go the furthest!

Another interesting resource that parents should check out is this website – OurKids.Net– which has a huge list of virtual summer camps and programs. Although in-person summer camps might be cancelled in Ontario, it doesn’t mean that these structured learning programs can’t be helpful. Some do come with a cost, while others are free – and many include outdoor activities to keep your kids interested for days on end!

Indigenous communities across Canada have been encouraging their members to spend time on the land, and to use the resources of the land as much as possible during the global pandemic – especially as many communities continue to have strict travel restrictions in place.

On The Land Funding for COVID-19

Some communities are supporting these initiatives by providing a direct funding program to help families get out on the land – including funding for food, supplies, and transportation costs.

Decho First Nations – which represents Dene communities in the Northwest Territories has launched its On The Land Funding for Families program in response to the COVID-19 crisis, to encourage members to go out on the land – and to practice social distancing while doing so. The funding comes in part from ISC’s COVID Response Fund, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Many smaller communities with limited housing stock have too many people living in individual houses for social distancing to be practiced safely – however, the land itself is immense – and it is healthy. So long as people continue to social distance from other households while out on the land, spending more time during this pandemic away from the actual community is a safe and encouraged option.

There are still so many unknowns with COVID-19 – especially how long we’re going to continue living in this changed world. Researchers and vaccine developers are working hard to find ways to answer this question – but for the moment, we do have to find ways to live with the virus. This means taking extra precautions while out in public – and keeping to them – because as things become more normal this way, the more likely we are to get a little lazy and forget. Here are some tips to consider to protect yourself while out in public:

Living With The Virus – How do we move on?

Elevator Etiquette – try to limit the number of people in an elevator. If the building is normally busy, keep to two or three people – and only if everyone is wearing a mask. If the building is not normally busy, and someone is already in the elevator, it would be kind to let it pass and wait for another.

Wear a Mask – We’ve brought you a lot of articles about wearing masks in the last weeks, and that is because it is the easiest and most efficient way to slow down the spread as businesses re-open – but only if everyone is wearing one. As people start to wear masks, others will too – so start wearing your own as soon as possible!

Wash your hands / Social Distance – Health professionals have been repeating these two sayings as a mantra, that you should wash your hands and stay at least six feet away from other people. COVID-19 spreads from droplets that leave your mouth and nose when you cough, sneeze, and breathe – and can stay on surfaces for some time. To protect yourself, stay away from others – wash your hands regularly – and don’t touch your face.

If you’re sick – stay home – Most important in these coming months as the spread of COVID-19 is slowed down, but while it is still out in our communities, is that you stay home if you are feeling sick. Even if you feel like you have a light cold, or just feel under the weather – the best precaution that you can take is to stay at home. If you do not start feeling better in the next day or so, reach out to your local health authority by phone.

IndigenousSpecific Support Services

In difficult and stressful situations like the global COVID-19 outbreak – we know that there is an increase in cases of gender-based violence and abuse – and that it can be a difficult time for those struggling with addiction and mental health.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada has put together an incredible list of resources to help support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Women and Gender-Diverse peoples with the support they need. Check out their website at NWAC - COVID-19 for more information.

Talk4Healing is also always available -24/7 in English and French – and in Oji-Cree, Cree, Algonquin, Inuktitut, Mohawk, Oneida, Odawa, Potawatomi, Micmac, Black Foot, Anishinaabe, Moose Cree, and Swampy Cree on request. Call or Text 1-855-554-HEAL to access live support - or visit their website at Talk 4 Healing to visit their chat.

Testing and Contact Tracing – The Backbone to Reopening

Any plans to re-open any region of Canada has to be backed up by a strong testing program, and even stronger contact tracing – which is a program where people investigate every person that someone who tested positive with COVID-19 and contacts them to ask that they get tested themselves.

When governments talk about ‘having the spread under control’ this is what they mean. This system makes sure that any person who could potentially have COVID-19 self-isolates at home until their test comes back; and ensures that all positive cases are accounted for – limiting the chance of spread within the community as much as possible.

At the same time – tests are being developed to find out if those people who have already recovered from COVID-19; or who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive, but either had no symptoms or tested negative themselves, have developed an immunity to COVID-19. This would mean that these people whose test show that they have immunity would not need to worry about catching COVID-19 again.

One example of someone who could – and should – get tested for COVID-19 immunity is both Justin and Sophie Trudeau. After coming home from the UK, Sophie Trudeau tested positive for COVID-19 and isolated herself from the family; but not before coming into contact with the Prime Minister. However, Justin Trudeau has not shown any symptoms of COVID-19 – even after the contact. So, tests on individuals like the Trudeaus will help us learn more about the spread of COVID-19, and possible immunity.

Missing Sports During COVID-19?

So many sports fans are feeling a pretty big hole in their lives with the big sporting leagues – including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and World Series cancelled for the 2020 season. The enticing speed of thrilling sports – exciting commentary – and wild replays has been seriously missed these last couple of months.

Except that it doesn’t have to be this way. There is a channel on YouTube that has been bringing heart-pounding marble races and marble Olympics to audiences around the world for years – and this year, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver has partnered with them to bring the Marble League 2020 to an even bigger audience.

Check out Jelle's Marble Runs on YouTube to get a sense of the races – and tune in during the first week of June 2020 to see which marble team will take the gold. Will it be the O’rangers, the Limers, the Raspberry Racers, the Turtle Sliders, or one of the other teams?

There have been some dangerous and misleading claims about the COVID-19 pandemic, and the World Health Organization has compiled a number of important facts to help clear things up:

Fact-Checking COVID-19

Always remember to double ckeck information you find online with sources like the Public Health Agency of Canada, the World Health Organization, and your local health authority.

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 28th, 2020.