Re-test shows sole presumptive case is a False Positive 

October 27, 2020

To all Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Members:

On Sunday, October 25, 2020, the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Band Council announced the first presumptive COVID-19 case within Neyaashiinigmiing. The Chief and Council are now pleased to announce that follow-up tests have determined that the case was a FALSE positive. As of October 27, 2020, the community remains free of COVID-19.

We give our thanks to the Grey-Bruce Public Health Unit, and to our own Health & Wellness Centre, for their quick response to the identification of a presumed case. We are also grateful to the entire community for remaining calm and sharing their support and well-wishes.

While we are extremely relieved by this news, we would like to remind members that the pandemic is still going strong and COVID-19 remains a threat to us all. Our continued zero case count relies on you.

It is imperative that the whole community does their part in maintaining a safe, healthy community. Remain diligent and always follow COVID-19 risk-reduction protocols, wherever you may be living or travelling:

• Keep a physical distance of at least two meters from people not from your household. 
• Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth when indoors, or when you cannot keep your physical distance from other people. 
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. 
• Remember that Provincial rules limit indoor gatherings to a maximum of 10 people. 
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.
• Self-quarantine if you feel ill, or suspect you have come in contact with someone who may have COVID-19. Call the Health Centre or other health care provider for further medical advice.

The Nawash Health Centre will provide cloth masks and hand sanitizer, free of charge. The Health Centre can be reached at 519-534-0373.

Miigwech!

Chief Greg Nadjiwon, and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Council

As of this posting, the results for all COVID-19 tests administered in Neyaashiinigmiing have come back NEGATIVE. The testing clinic is not being rescheduled at this time, but the Nawash Health Centre will arrange for testing at home, by request. Please contact Springdawn Keeshig, Community Health Nurse, at 519-534-0373 to book a home test. Home tests will be performed by a public health nurse from the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

The Council is extremely pleased and grateful that the community has pulled together and helped us avoid the virus thus far. Thank you to every resident and family member that has contributed to our health and safety.

The Council is also especially thankful to the Nawash Health Centre staff for their careful guidance during this unprecedented crisis. The pandemic is ongoing and while we adjust to our new normal, we realize just how lucky we are to have such knowledgeable and dedicated people at our side.

Even as we cautiously move towards reopening our workplaces and services, we urge all residents to maintain the protocols that have kept us healthy: maintain physical distance of 2 meters from people not in your household, wash your hands frequently, avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

Stay strong, stay safe, and stay healthy!