April 13, 2020

IRTC UPDATE:

Public health officials advise 4 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. This brings the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 246.

• The data also shows:
  • eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care
  • 99 individuals have recovered from COVID-19
  • the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is four

• The chief provincial public health officer will be extending the public health orders issued on March 30 for two weeks. The orders that were to expire on April 14, 2020 are now extended to April 28,
• Social Gatherings limit still remains at 10 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/covid–19–gatherings–ten–people5512372
• For the most up-to-dated, factual information on COVID-19 Please visitmanitoba.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 has 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 communities. 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
• 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 known 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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Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

It is not clear there is any significant benefit to wearing masks to prevent influenza or influenza-like illnesses (including COVID-19) in community settings.

Wear a facemask: If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other individuals (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply therefore they should be saved for high risk individuals and health care providers.

If you are using gloves or masks upon your own choice, please discard these items accordingly.

IRTC Education Update

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

• The Province of Manitoba has issued a new public health order to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The following measures will be in place as of April 1st:
• No gatherings over 10 people allowed
• 10-person limit not applicable for healthcare or social services
• All restaurants prohibited from serving food in their premises, delivery or take out is allowed
• All businesses that are not considered as a critical service must close between April 1st and April 14th These businesses may operate on a remote basis
• All businesses considered critical services must enforce appropriate social distancing rules
• Municipal transit services, taxis and private vehicles for hire can continue to operate. The operator of the vehicle must take measures to ensure there is reasonable separation of people in a vehicle https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=47337&posted=2020-03-30