Edition No 5 -- COVID-19 Information for First Nation and Indigenous Communities April 23 2020

#BreakTheChain Issue No. 5 Apr. 23rd 2020

COVID-19 Information for First Nations COVID-19 at Home: Staying Safe and Staying Healthy This is the fifth in a weekly series, prepared as a free informational tool by Bimaadzwin Inc. Updated as of April

23rd,

2020

(FortSaskOnline)

COVID-19 and the ongoing outbreak..

Flattening the curve – initiatives showing positive signs..

Stop the Spread of COVID-19..

COVID-19 at Home..

What if you – or your child – gets sick..

In this Issue…

COVID-19 and Vulnerable Groups..

Building Resilience..

Travel and COVID-19..

Food Safety..

Canadians React to COVID-19..

How Can I Help?

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 2.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world, with over 175,000 deaths.

In Canada, there are currently 38,932 confirmed cases– with 1,871 deaths across the country (April 22).

Cases: 04.22.2020

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.

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.

COVID-19 can be left on objects and surfaces by people who have the virus. If you touch a contaminated object or surface and then touch your face, without washing your hands first, COVID-19 can be spread to you.

Stop the Spread of COVID-19

If you are within 6 feet (2 metres) of someone with COVID-19, you are at risk of getting the virus. When someone coughs, sneezes, or talks, small droplets can come from their mouth. If the person has COVID-19 and droplets get on your body, clothes or personal belongings, and you touch your face, you can get COVID-19.

Some people may be sick, but might not be showing symptoms.

This is why physical distancing is important. You can spread COVID-19 in the same ways; by leaving traces of droplets from your mouth on objects or surfaces, or by being closer than 6 feet (2 metres) from other people.

Check out this, and other resources from at http://www.welllivinghouse.com/resources/covid-19-information/

Stay home. Try to stay indoors with members of your household and only grab essential things (groceries, medicine, gas) once a week.

Protecting Yourself from COVID-19

Going for walks is a good way to stay healthy – but only if you have not been diagnosed with COVID-19, are not showing symptoms, and are not in quarantine or isolation under the Quarantine Act. Wash your hands often! COVID-19 dies with soap and warm water.

So wash your hands regularly (for at least 20 seconds), especially after you've been outside and before you handle food.

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands!

This is especially important if you've been touching public or shared objects and surfaces.

Frequently clean all common objects and surfaces (door knobs, tap handle, light switches, remotes) with paper towel and a disinfectant OR a rag and soap and water.

Coronaviruses are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product when used according to the label directions. These surfaces include: Toys; toilets; phones; electronics; door handles; bedside tables; television remotes

Caring for Someone with COVID-19

Most people who get COVID-19 will not need medical assistance and will get better on their own.

If you are caring for, or living with someone who has COVID19 – you are considered a ‘close contact’. Your local public health unit will give you special instructions about how to monitor your own health, what to do if you feel sick, and how to contact them.

Wash your hands often – especially before and after coming into contact with any bodily fluids.

Wear a mask and gloves – whenever coming in contact with the individual.

Dispose of gloves and mask after each use.

Limit the number of visitors in your home.

Avoid sharing household items – have separate cups, plates, and other household items.

Clean surfaces often.

Wash laundry thoroughly – you don’t need to separate laundry, but do ensure that it is washed on a long cycle in high temperature.

Be careful when touching waste.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, reduce your contact with others:

What if You, or Your Child, Gets Ill?

isolate yourself at home for 14 days to avoid spreading it to others if you live with others, stay in a separate room or keep a 2-metre distance

visit a health care professional or call your local public health authority call ahead to tell them your symptoms and follow their instructions

Children who have mild COVID-19 symptoms are able to stay at home with a caregiver throughout their recovery without needing hospitalization.

Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should selfmonitor and consult your health care provider. They may recommend steps you can take to relieve symptoms.

COVID-19 and Vulnerable Groups

There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians: aged 65 and over with compromised immune systems with underlying medical conditions People that fall into these categories should reconsider attending gatherings. This includes large gatherings and even smaller events in crowded or enclosed settings.

Those in vulnerable groups must take extra precautions to protect themselves during this time. Consider making plans with your family members or neighbours to have groceries or other necessities brought by – so that you don’t have to leave your home.

Wearing a mask is a good way to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Wearing a mask – a cloth facial covering, or a non-medical mask – in the community has not been proven to protect the person wearing the mask, and is not a substitute to social distancing and hand washing.

Face Coverings

However, wearing a mask can be an additional measure you can take to protect others around you, even if you have no symptoms of COVID-19. It can be useful for short periods of time, when physical distancing is not possible – like at a grocery store, or while taking public transit.

Face masks can become contaminated on the outside, or when touched by your hands. When wearing a mask, take the following precautions to protect yourself: avoid touching your face mask while using it change a cloth mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled put it directly into the washing machine or a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine and then disposed of cloth masks can be laundered with other items using a hot cycle, and then dried thoroughly.

non-medical masks that cannot be washed should be discarded and replaced as soon as they get damp, soiled or crumpled dispose of masks properly in a lined garbage bin don't leave discarded masks in shopping carts, on the ground, etc.

We’ll all experience great highs and great lows during our lives. And while the great highs are exhilarating, the great lows can knock us to our knees.

Some people seem to have difficulty dealing with adversity, while others get up, dust themselves off and carry on. These are people who have more of what psychologists call ‘resilience’ Create a support system. Having family members or close friends with whom you can share feelings, discuss problems and receive advice is an essential part of weathering life’s ups and downs.

Be an optimist. Try to see the positive in every situation and remain hopeful and excited about what life has to offer.

Accept change. We can’t fight change. It’s part of life.

Building Resilience

Adopt a survivor view of life. Resilient people never blame others or see themselves as victims of circumstances.

Develop your problem solving and communication skills. When faced with a crisis or problem, learn to rationally examine the situation and come up with solutions.

Have a sense of humour. Being able to laugh at yourself or the situation you’re in helps keep things in perspective. Resilient people don’t take themselves too seriously.

Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your physical and emotional health. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and find time to do things you enjoy. Find healthy ways to cope with stress and you’ll find it easier to weather tough times.

Ask for help. A support system is great, but we have to know when to reach out for professional support.

Check out this, and other resources on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and COVID-19 from Homewood Health at https://homewoodhealth.com/corporate/covid-19-resources

The COVID-19 outbreak is now a global issue, and has been declared to be a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising travellers to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada.

Travel and COVID-19

Many countries are reporting community or widespread transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, and there is the possibility that the virus could also be present in countries that may not have the capacity to detect or contain the virus.

As foreign governments implement strict travel restrictions and international transportation options continue to become less available, you may have difficulty returning to Canada or may be unable to do so. Local authorities may impose control measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as quarantine. In some countries, travellers may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care should they become ill.

Scientists and food safety authorities around the world are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19. There are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 being spread through food.

Use common cleaning and disinfection methods to kill coronaviruses Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food; if you do not have running water – use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Food Safety

Wash your fruits or vegetables under running water Do not wash fresh produce with soap, chlorine, or other chemicals as they can absorb chemicals that are not intended to eat.

Cook your food to recommended safe internal temperatures.

COVID-19 is killed by normal cooking temperatures.

Disinfect any surfaces that will come into contact with food.

If eating out – use contactless payment wherever possible; and ask for contactless delivery if available. Have your food dropped off at the door. Wash your hands after handling the delivery, and after handling food and food packaging.

Statistics Canada has started asking Canadians about how the global COVID-19 health pandemic is affecting their lives. The majority of Canadians report taking the public health recommendations and precautions seriously – they’re washing their hands more, and staying home when possible.

Canadians React to COVID-19

These are strong signs that Canada is going in the right direction – but we cannot stop following these precautions as the level of spread flattens. We must all stay strong – and stay apart – to protect ourselves and our communities.

There are a few opportunities to help make a difference in Canada’s response to the COVID-19 crisis: Statistics Canada COVID-19 Survey: Statistics Canada COVID-19 Survey National COVID-19 Volunteer Recruitment Campaign: COVID-19 Volunteer Recruitment

How Can I Help?

FluWatchers – online surveillance system that helps track the spread of flulike illnesses across Canada. You can participate anonymously by answering two health-related questions each week to help show Canadians where COVID-19 is spreading: FluWatcher

COVID-19 Initiatives

There are a number of grassroots initiatives aimed at helping communities across Canada prepare and respond to the changing realities of COVID-19. – One such initiative is Conquer COVID-19 – which is comprised of physicians, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and other volunteers who are working together to ensure frontline workers responsible for the health and wellbeing of Canadians have access to masks, gloves, and other supplies that are essential in treating patients and minimizing the spread of the virus.

Check out their website for more information – or to see how you might be able to help!

Stay Informed: Health Canada App

– 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. https://www.canada.ca/en/publichealth/services/diseases/2019-novelcoronavirus-infection.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 April 23rd, 2020.