March 25, 2020

IRTC UPDATE:

Public health officials advise 14 additional probable cases of COVID-19 have been identified, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 35 at this time. Public health investigations are underway to determine additional details and to confirm the possible exposure of these cases

For the most up-to-date, factual, information on COVID-19 please visit manitoba.ca/covid19/

Interlake Eastern RHA testing sites:
Selkirk (1st drive-thru testing site) Eriksdale – 35 Railway Avenue Pine Falls
https://www.ierha.ca

Please call your local Health Centre for further information on COVID-19 testing sites and resources

• Manitoba is declared a State of Emergency as of 11:00 am – March 20, 2020
• The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has set up a call line and email to answer questions from First Nation people and The number is 204-940- 8880 and 1-877-940-8880 weekdays 8:00 am – 9:00 pm and weekends 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. indigenoushealth@wrha.mb.ca
• Handwashing technique recommended: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d914EnpU4Fo

SUPPLIES

Interlake Reserves Tribal Council initially took on the efforts to obtain supplies for the IRTC First Nation Communities. Moving forward, Indigenous Services Canada ISC (formally know as INAC) will be providing funding directly to each First Nation for basic supplies and food security.

Please see your leadership for further information

Please Note: this is for ON-RESERVE ONLY

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR MEMBER COMMUNITY’S CHIEF AND COUNCIL FOR PICK UP AND DISTRIBUTION.

The following in-office essential service’s schedule is as follows:

 All IRTC Staff are available continuously via email and cell should you need to contact them.

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IRTC Education Update

• IRTC Student Services program provides Post Secondary and Private Home Placement education funding to Dauphin River, Little Saskatchewan and Pinaymootang

Monthly allowance disbursements will be distributed as usual without disruption.

Social Development Update

Due to COVID19 virus issues and preventative measures of social distancing, I.S.C. (Indigenous Services Canada) has stated all annual IA document reviews scheduled for First Nations are delayed at this time until risk subsides. As bulletins come out from the Social Department, we will forward to all IRTC communities on changes for Quarterly reporting.

PESP Program – The PESP Program has temporarily cancelled all planned programming until further notice. I.S.C. has confirmed any surpluses in programming can be carried forward past March 31, 2020 deadline.

Emergency Management Update

It’s important to remember that our best approach to overcoming any emergency is through preventative rather than reactive measures. Both the province of Manitoba and Southern Chiefs Organization have declared a State of Emergency. Effective March 20^th the provincial State of Emergency has declared the following be implicated for 30 days:

• No gatherings over 50 people allowed
• Two-metre distances must be enforced in any stores that can stay open
• Grocery stores, shopping centres, pharmacies & gas stations can stay open
• Gyms, bingo halls and gaming centres must close
• 50-person limit not applicable for healthcare or social service facilities¹
• Penalties for violation are up to 6 months in jail or a $50K fine or individuals²

It’s also important to make sure you are getting information from a reliable source. Please refer to your local health centre if you have questions or concerns.

• https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47137
• https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/p210e.php – Section 90(4)