Spring has sprung; the weather is getting nicer and while it’s important to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, we all need to continue to keep ourselves and the community safe from COVID-19.
Even after we’ve been vaccinated, we still need to follow public health recommendations.
Sharing some great resources:
Spring Update
COVID-19 Vaccine – Get the Facts!
Seasonal Allergies or COVID-19?
An update as of 04APR from Chiefs Of Ontario:
Variants of Concern (VOC) – Ontario is seeing a rapid increase of VOC cases.
As of 04APR a total of 2,288 positive cases have been confirmed as one of the known VOCs.
There have been 25,470 cases that tested positive for the N501Y mutation, that have not yet been classified.
The Ontario Court of Appeal has set the dates and times for hearing the Ontario appeal of the Stage 1 Decision of the Robinson Huron Annuities Claim.
All hearings will be held virtually beginning Tuesday, April 13.
For details including dates, times and a zoom link to attend please see pdf attached below.
Anishinabek Police Chief John Syrette’s disciplinary hearing was held last week. Syrette has been suspended since being accused of misconduct two years ago.
Details of the conduct charges are now public.
Here’s the newsfeed to read more!
ONECA (Ontario Native Education Counselling Association) wants your feedback.
How do you feel about Recreational Cannabis & Vaping?
Share your thoughts…submit your short story (a TikTok, YouTube video or traditional artwork) by April 30th for your chance to WIN a laptop! Plus, every participant will receive a gift card just for entering.
Send your story to linda@oneca.com and include your name, email & phone #
Why? Check out the pdf below.
COVID-19 Testing
There were 179 new positive results among First Nations people over the past week ending Mar 21, 2021, down from 224 last week. This is a 20% decrease and the third week in a row with decreasing totals. The number of positive results among First Nations to date is 2,664.
The cumulative positivity rate among First Nations of 4.8% is only slightly higher than in previous weeks. The Ontario rate stayed relatively steady.
The rolling two-week average of new COVID-19 positive test results among FN decreased for the third week in a row. The Ontario rate increased for the second week in a row. A clear difference remains in the two trends.
Check out the full report below.
COVID-19 Pandemic Update 26MAR21
Ontario Cases ranged between 1,500 and 2,300 daily.
The highest number reported this week was 2,380 on Thursday, March 25th.
The weekly 7-day average reported was 1,794 cases.
Ontario is seeing a trend of increasing cases, similar to the surge that began in November
As of March 25th: 1612 cases have been confirmed to be one the known VOCs
The following map highlights COVID-19 activity within First Nation communities since the beginning of the pandemic.
See the full report below.
The Anishinabek reps argued that climate change disproportionately affects our communities, traditional ways of life, and the ability to assert and exercise jurisdiction in relation to environmental issues that directly impact our lands and people. As the quality and quantity of natural resources and medicines continue to diminish with the effects of climate change, it is vital that First Nation voices are heard and that their rights are respected.
The Anishinabek Nation is pleased to share that its arguments were heard and the majority of the Supreme Court of Canada has sided with the First Nation position.
It is especially significant that the court recognized that climate change has the effect of “threatening the ability of Indigenous communities in Canada to sustain themselves and maintain their traditional ways of life”
To read the full statement, click the download button below.
As of March 23, 2021, Indigenous Services Canada is aware of:
610 communities with vaccinations underway (for either priority groups or all adults) in:
First Nations and Inuit communities in provinces
communities in territories
226,790 doses have been administered.
Vaccine Misinformation
We understand that some inaccurate information has been circulating to certain Indigenous communities about the vaccine that includes false and distorted information about potential side effects. The spread of misinformation can have real consequences and can affect people’s behaviours and decision-making.
It is important to obtain information from trusted sources. These sources include federal, provincial, and territorial health authorities, community health centres, nursing stations, or local healthcare providers. Please consider the source of information before spreading or sharing articles or facts. Vaccination is a choice. Vaccines used in Canada must be approved by Health Canada and the COVID-19 vaccine is held to the same safety standards as other vaccines to make sure it is safe and effective.
How are these vaccines are developed so fast? Watch this 3-minute video
Moderna Vaccine – Reduce YOUR risk for infection and spreading! Check out another 3-minute video to watch…
COVID-19 Variants of Concerns
As Variants of Concern (VOCs) continue to spread in Ontario, it remains vital to continue following public health measures to prevent their spread. Because VOCs spread the same way as the “original” virus, the same actions can be effective. These include avoiding close contact with anyone outside of your household, wearing a good fitting 3-ply mask in indoor public spaces, maintaining physical distancing, and frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs.
Anyone with even a very mild symptom of COVID-19 should stay away from others and get tested. We know from what we have learned that often people have such a mild symptom that they think it can’t be due to COVID-19! By the time they get tested, they have exposed other people.
Even after being vaccinated, people should continue to practice public health measures. Until enough people are vaccinated, the virus will continue to circulate and can cause severe illness.
Do I have COVID-19, a Cold, the Flu or seasonal Allergies?
Here are some great links to more reading material!