Jan 6, 2022 COVID-19 UPDATES – Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation

Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Newsletter

COVID-19 UPDATES FOR NEYAASHIINIGMIING

Community Updates | January 6, 2022

Greetings Everyone! Our New Year has not started out as well as we had all hoped so we kindly ask for your patience with programs and services as we work diligently to get information out to you. Administration is also working collaboratively to meet the needs of the community as we are now in a new wave of this pandemic. The Omicron virus spreads faster and is affecting more people, as well as stressing Ontario’s health care system. We ask that you be extremely careful when you have to leave home. We also need to support individuals in isolation, so please help your family and neighbours when necessary.

In addition to updates, and safety tips in this newsletter, the Council, the Administration staff and I would like to ensure you that we are making every effort to keep services available to you. We appreciate your input that will help us make the best possible decisions for the Nation as we navigate our way through alternative ways of doing business. If you contact a program and do not speak with someone immediately, phone messages will be returned as soon as possible.

Please know that we can get through this pandemic by working together and supporting one another.

Be well

Chi-Miigwetch

Chief Veronica Smith

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COVID-19 CASES IN NEYAASHIINIGMIING

As of Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 3:30pm

ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES IN HOSPITAL

As of Wednesday, January 5, 2022

URGENT UPDATES FOR OUR COMMUNITY

The Reserve is open to Community Members only. Please stay home. Do not visit the reserve unless you absolutely have to come for business.
Limit shopping trips to a single member of a household, many carriers are asymptomatic and the Omicron variant is highly transmissible.
Neyaashiinigmiing is considered a vulnerable population. Our current stance based on public health guidelines is, if you feel sick, assume you have COVID-19 and isolate for 10 days.

GATHERING LIMITS

Indoor gatherings – now limited to five people or less
Outdoor gatherings – now limited to 10 people or less

REDUCED CAPACITY LIMITS

Capacity at indoor weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites and ceremonies are now limited to 50 per cent capacity of a particular room.
Outdoor services are now limited to the number of people that can maintain two metres of physical distance. Social gatherings associated with these services must adhere to the social gathering limits.

OFFICE & PROGRAM UPDATES:

Public access to band buildings is closed, with the exception of essential medical services. Although operations will continue as normally, many are working remotely to reduce the capacity in offices. Services and programs will be affected by the lack of individuals onsite.
Essential services will continue to be delivered and will operate normally (i.e., Roads and Water).
Other services will be available remotely, more information to come in the future as this is being assessed on a program-by-program basis. Please note, services may be further limited as we confront capacity challenges in the face of rising COVID-19 numbers.
Food Bank services will be increasing starting next week due to the rising number of COVID-10 cases in the community. Before noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, please call to place your order. Delivery will occur the same day between 1-4pm. If you miss the delivery attempt, it will be delivered the following day. The Food Bank can be reached at 519-534-3266 ext. 105. Voicemail is being monitored, please leave a message with your name and phone number and your call will be returned.

SCHOOL & CHILDCARE CENTRE UPDATES

As per Band Council direction, the school building has been deemed closed to the public. We will be going to remote and online learning. Teachers will be reaching out to parents & guardians today (Jan 6) or tomorrow (Jan 7) to discuss how things will proceed for your child. Some teachers will be sending home packages for students and some may be entirely online.
Monday will be the first day for student learning in this format. We will be following up on attendance in online learning sessions daily.
For students experiencing, or could be expected to experience mental health challenges, here are some resources available:
- Kids Help Phone, which offers 24/7 counselling and referral services across the province. To use this free resource, children can call 1-800-668-6868, or text CONNECT to 686868. Kids Help Phone offers Indigenous supports and staff to assist.
- School Mental Health Ontario also has a number of great resources for students, parents and families on their website at www.smho-smso.ca. In addition, child and youth mental health agencies across the province continue to provide services.
- Jennifer Burrows can be reached at: aymhac@gbtel.ca or 519 379 5331 during regular band business hours.

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COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC:

A COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic is being held for adults (12+) at Kikendaasogamig School on the following dates:

Thursday, January 6^th, 2022 from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday, January 20^th, 2022 from 10:00am – 4:00pm

Please contact the Health Centre to book your appointment time at 519-534-0373 between 8:30am to 4:30pm, Mon – Fri.

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THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 INCLUDE:

Fever (a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher) and/or chills
Cough, including a barking cough or croup (continuous, more than usual, making a whistling noise when breathing)
Shortness of breath (out of breath, unable to breathe deeply)
Decrease or loss of taste or smell
For children under 18 years of age: nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
For adults over 18 years of age: muscle aches, joint pain and/or extreme tiredness

A full listing of symptoms can be found here:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-stop-spread#section-0

COVID PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE:

Get your full series of the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to help protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from the spread of COVID-19.
Stay two metres apart.
Wear a mask or face covering properly in indoor public spaces and outside any time physical distancing is not possible — you may be fined if you don’t.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your cough and sneeze and cough into your sleeve.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Download the COVID Alert app.
Follow international travel guidelines.

UPDATES: ELIGIBLE GROUPS FOR PCR TESTING (PCR Testing is a test for COVID-19)

Effective December 31, 2021, PCR testing will only be recommended for individuals if they belong to the following groups:

Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups:
- Hospitalized patients
- Patients in Emergency Departments, at the discretion of the treating clinician
- Patient-facing health care workers
- Staff, residents, essential care providers, and visitors in hospitals and congregate living settings, including long-term care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings, and correctional institutions
- Outpatients for whom COVID-19 treatment is being considered
- Underhoused or homeless
- People who are from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and individuals travelling into these communities for work
- Symptomatic elementary and secondary students and education staff who have received a PCR self-collection kit through their school
- People on admission/transfer to or from hospital or congregate living setting
- High-risk contacts and asymptomatic/symptomatic people in the context of confirmed or suspected outbreaks in high-risk settings, including hospitals, long-term care, retirement homes, other congregate living settings and institutions, and other settings as directed by the local public health unit
- Individuals, and one accompanying caregiver, with written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager, OHIP
- Asymptomatic testing in hospital, long-term care, retirement homes and other congregate living settings and Institutions as per provincial guidance and/or Directives

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ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO HAVE ON HAND

With the number of positive COVID-19 cases growing exponentially in the Grey-Bruce County and our community, we have put together a list of essential items to have on hand in the event that you become ill or have been exposed to COVID-19.

Current public health guidelines are requiring vulnerable populations that test positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate for 10 days, whether you have been vaccinated or not.

It is important to have extra food at home that provides adequate nutrients and energy. The goal is to have 2 weeks worth of food and essential items on hand.

* Please note programs such as Social Services and the Food Bank in Neyaashiinigmiing can help with some of the items mentioned below. The Health Centre can provide vitamins multi or vitamin c.

LIST OF ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

FOOD

Dried or canned goods. Foods like soup, canned vegetables, and canned fruit are nutritious and keep for a long time.
Frozen foods. Frozen meals, pizzas, vegetables, and fruits are an easy way to keep food around without worrying that it’ll go bad.
Dried or freeze-dried foods. Dried fruit makes a great snack. While dried beans are cheap and nutritious, they can also take some time and effort to cook. For an easy alternative, you may want to keep a few freeze-dried foods on hand, though they can be expensive.
Pasta and rice. Rice and pasta are easy to cook and gentle on the stomach. They also keep for a long time, and they’re relatively inexpensive, so you won’t spend a fortune stocking your cupboards.
Peanut butter and jelly. Easy and kid-friendly — enough said.
Bread and cereal. These keep for a long time.
Shelf-stable milk. Refrigerated milk is fine too, but if you’re worried about it going bad before you can get through it, try looking for milk or nondairy milk in aseptic packaging.
Tea, popsicles, broth, and sports drinks. These can help you stay hydrated.

MEDICATIONS & SUPPLEMENTS

Pain and fever reducers. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and bring down a fever. Depending on whether you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, your doctor may recommend one over the other. Talk to your doctor about which may be right for you, and be sure to have some on hand.
Cough medicines. These include cough suppressants and expectorants.
Vitamins
Prescriptions – make sure your prescriptions are filled.

SANITARY / HYGIENE & CLEANING SUPPLIES

Soap. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Hand sanitizer. Washing with soap and water is the best way to clean your hands. If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Cleaning supplies. Laundry detergent, dish soap, bleach, disinfectant wipes, garbage bags.
Hygiene necessities: Toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste, diapers, feminine hygiene products.

HOW TO SHOP SAFELY

Do not shop if you are sick or have a weakened immune system.
Choose one person from your household to do the shopping.
Shop at a less busy time.
Wash or sanitize your hands before entering the store.
Always practise physical distancing by keeping 2 metres apart and wear a mask
Once home, wash your hands well, wipe down packaging with a disinfecting wipe and clean counters.

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JOB POSTINGS:

Anticipated Employment Opportunities at Chippewas of Nawash:

Band Members Preferred
Term of Employment: Casual Contracts
Hours of Work: Varies
Closing Date: January 7, 2022 at 4:00pm

Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation is looking to compile a list of interested Applicants for the following anticipated Employment Opportunities:

Contact Tracing Monitors $20 per hour

Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s Licence
Professional and courteous individuals
Reliable with ability to work shift work
Comfortable working in all weather conditions
Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
Acceptable Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check (paid by Employer)
Must be fully vaccinated

Contact Tracing Monitor Supervisor $30 per hour

Completion of High School or equivalent
Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s Licence
Professional and courteous individuals
Reliable with ability to work shift work
Comfortable working in all weather conditions
Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
Acceptable Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check (paid by Employer)
Must be fully vaccinated

How to apply?

Please e-mail resume to employment@nawash.ca
Include what position(s) you are interested in and how you meet the requirements listed above.
Visit our website for all Employment Opportunities:https://www.nawash.ca/employment-opportunities/

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Ontario Temporarily Moving to Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen
(Public Health just released the following information on January 5, 2022.)

The Grey Bruce Health Unit is highlighting the recommendations outlined in the provincial announcement from January 3, 2022 – Ontario Temporarily Moving to Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen | Ontario Newsroom. “In response to recent trends that show an alarming increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is temporarily moving the province into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen with modifications that take into account the province’s successful vaccination efforts.”

Highlights of this announcement are:

Reducing social gathering limits to five people indoors and 10 people outdoors.
Limiting capacity at organized public events to five people indoors.
Requiring businesses and organizations to ensure employees work remotely unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site.
Limiting capacity at indoor weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites and ceremonies to 50 per cent capacity of the particular room. Outdoor services are limited to the number of people that can maintain 2 metres of physical distance. Social gatherings associated with these services must adhere to the social gathering limits.
Retail settings, including shopping malls, permitted at 50 per cent capacity. For shopping malls physical distancing will be required in line-ups, loitering will not be permitted and food courts will be required to close.
Personal care services permitted at 50 per cent capacity and other restrictions. Saunas, steam rooms, and oxygen bars closed.
Closing indoor meeting and event spaces with limited exceptions but permitting outdoor spaces to remain open with restrictions.
Public libraries limited to 50 per cent capacity.
Closing indoor dining at restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments. Outdoor dining with restrictions, takeout, drive through and delivery is permitted.
Restricting the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. and the consumption of alcohol on[1]premise in businesses or settings after 11 p.m. with delivery and takeout, grocery/convenience stores and other liquor stores exempted.
Closing indoor concert venues, theatres, cinemas, rehearsals and recorded performances permitted with restrictions.
Closing museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions, amusement parks and waterparks, tour and guide services and fairs, rural exhibitions, and festivals. Outdoor establishments permitted to open with restrictions and with spectator occupancy, where applicable, limited to 50 per cent capacity.
Closing indoor horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues. Outdoor establishments permitted to open with restrictions and with spectator occupancy limited to 50 per cent capacity. Boat tours permitted at 50 per cent capacity.
Closing indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities including gyms, except for athletes training for the Olympics and Paralympics and select professional and elite amateur sport leagues. Outdoor facilities are permitted to operate but with the number of spectators not to exceed 50 per cent occupancy and other requirements.
All publicly funded and private schools will move to remote learning starting January 5 until at least January 17, subject to public health trends and operational considerations.
School buildings would be permitted to open for child care operations, including emergency child care, to provide in-person instruction for students with special education needs who cannot be accommodated remotely and for staff who are unable to deliver quality instruction from home.
During this period of remote learning, free emergency child care will be provided for school-aged children of health care and other eligible frontline workers.

For a robust list of guidance and regulations related to this change, please visit the below links:

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As we continue to receive provincial updates and monitor Public Health Guidelines regarding COVID-19, we will keep the community updated through our website (www.nawash.ca) and our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CONUFN

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