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Viral resilience Uptick in new Covid-19 cases delays Phase 4 as CSB releases plans for in-class and virtual learning by Ben Powless
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hile Cree communities continue without any new cases of Covid-19, Cree health authorities are pushing back plans to move to Phase 4 of deconfinement as cases rise across Quebec. In a radio address on July 21, Cree Board Of Health And Social Services Of James Bay (CBHSSJB) ViceChairperson Christine Petawabano said that Cree leadership would wait another two weeks to evaluate whether it was appropriate to move into Phase 4, which would allow for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings. That news comes as Quebec begins to see a rise again in cases, including in the Abitibi region, with the majority in Montreal. This uptick in cases follows the Quebec government’s move to reopen a number of establishments, including bars and nightclubs. In Region 2-Saguenay-Lac-StJean, 13 cases were detected since July 14th, with the region moved to one of mandatory self-isolation for travellers. The CBHSSJB stated that it was concerned about the recent spike in transmission across Quebec. Eeyou Istchee remains free of active cases, with 670 tests of community members returning 650 negative results, with 10 awaiting results
and 10 cases recovered. 763 screening tests have also been done, returning 749 negative results and 14 more awaiting results. Cree health authorities also issued a change to Phase 5 deconfinement plans. Instead of dismantling community checkpoints, they now say that such checkpoints may have to stay up, as cases may still be out of control across Quebec or Canada as Eeyou Istchee gets ready for things to return to normal. Authorities also underscored that there will forever exist a risk from travel down south, until a vaccine is developed. They urged Cree who travel to communities considered safe to continue to exercise caution and avoid places where transmission could be a problem, such as bars and restaurants. The Cree School Board also announced a number of different scenarios for the return to school on Thursday, August 27th. In their low risk scenario, students would return to classes, with some modifications. Those include daily health questionnaires, increased hygiene measures, distancing scenarios, and possible class size restrictions.
In their medium risk scenario, all the above restrictions would be in place, with increased distancing requirements and modified school operations. In a scenario where there is a high risk of Covid-19 transmission, no classroom instruction would be permitted. Instead, all learning would take place at home and online, with interactive virtual support from teachers. Petawabano also noted that classes may be held in different locations than normal, including outside. Summer school classes began on July 13. Cree School Board offices in Montreal and Ottawa remain closed with staff working remotely, however the head office in Mistissini will reopen for employees only, working in small rotating groups. Post-secondary students registered for the winter term are set to receive an extra allowance for August to support them during the pandemic. This will include all students studying online. Across Quebec, the provincial government has mandated masks be worn in any enclosed spaces. The Cree leadership stated that they sup-
ported this position, but would leave local communities to decide whether to implement such a requirement in each community. Bella Moses Petawabano, CBHSSJB Chairperson noted that Cree Health Board guidelines on masks are to put a mask on with clean hands, ensuring that it is covering the nose and mouth; that masks should be replaced if they become moist; and that masks should be washed after every use in a washing machine. Christine Petawabano also noted that the Wiichihiituwin charter was repeatedly suffering from a number of “no shows,” which has a negative impact on others who want to use the service. She urged individuals to call Wiichihiituwin if they decide not to take the charter. Outside of Quebec, Ontario and Alberta have also seen increases in Covid-19 cases, as Canada passes 111,000 cases. Cases continue to be out of control in most of the United States, which has more than 3.8 million cases. The US-Canada border is expected to stay closed to non-essential travel for the foreseeable future.
www.nationnews.ca July 31, 2020 the Nation 5
