COVID-19 Links

DAY 17 OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC - UPDATE

There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in First Nations in Ontario. However, as the number of cases in Canada continues to rise exponentially we must remain diligent in our efforts to flatten the curve and take the necessary actions to keep our citizens safe in the months ahead.

In Ontario, 46 First Nations have declared a State of Emergency and 35 First Nations have locked down and are self-isolating, including Ontario’s (and Canada’s) largest First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River.

URBAN SUPPORTS

First Nation leaders have expressed serious concern over access to services for their members who reside in urban centres. Therefore, our office is currently working with the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) and the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) to collect information that can be shared with each community. We expect to have a resource guide distributed for early next week.

WEEKLY CALL

My office has been holding weekly calls on Thursday mornings.  Last week we spoke with ISC Minister Marc Miller and this week, we had Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Health Christine Elliott and Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford on our Leadership Council/Chiefs call.  We want a coordinated and cooperative approach with the Province of Ontario as many of our people will end up in the provincial health system. Next week, Minister of Health Christine Elliott and Ontario Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams will join us again.

Here are Vanessa’s media summaries/highlights:

Statistics In Canada and Ontario

Canada:  4,018 Confirmed  with 39 Deaths

Ontario:  858 Confirmed with 15 Deaths

Stats taken from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

Robin Buckland, Chief Nursing Officer at Indigenous Services Canada, provides information about COVID-19 testing and care and what to do if you are in a First Nations community.  Watch on Youtube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyJYt8TwihI&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2f-IWSTAkLEC6wkWvra27-eyEWldZ3gqiAJ7pDxGm0qicF1JbPTTrt0zM

Two new countries/territories/areas from the Region of the Americas have reported cases of COVID-19. • The total global number of COVID-19 cases has surpassed 500 000… Read more on W.H.O situational reports.. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200327-sitrep-67-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=b65f68eb_4

To help parents interact constructively with their children during this time of confinement, these six one-page tips for parents cover planning one-on-one time, staying positive, creating a daily routine, avoiding bad behaviour, managing stress, and talking about COVID-19. Use them to your and your kids’ advantage, and have fun in doing so… follow the link https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/healthy-parenting

Again please be careful what information you share on your social media.  Just because a friend, or family posted it doesn’t make it true.  Make sure you are sharing reputable information so that we don’t continue to spread false news that can send more fear among the public.  Below are three sites you could be watching daily for updates.

For current information on Covid-19 in Ontario follow this link https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

For current information on Covid-19 in Canada follow this link https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

For current World information on Covid-19 follow this link https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

 

I am holding all of you in my heart and prayers as we race to stay ahead of the curve. Again, I ask everyone to continue to follow the World Health Organization’s guidelines to prevent spread of virus including: washing hands frequently, avoiding touching face and cleaning surfaces regularly. You can save lives and protect health by:

* going home and staying home 

* Physically distance to #FlattenTheCurve #PlankTheCurve

* Keep adding to your pandemic kit as grocery stores restock and set it aside in case you need to quarantine and can’t leave your home 

* Reach out and find mental health supports

* Take time to be by yourself on the land

I continue to hold a deep and abiding love and care for everyone during this tumultuous time. Please share my posts widely.

Ninanaskamon. Kisahkeetin.

~RAA