Fisher River Health Services COVID-19 Bulletin #6 – September 30, 2020

Leadership would like to advised that there were two incidents of exposure of positive COVID-19 cases; the first incident, an individual was in attendance at a Funeral that took place on Sunday September 27, 2020 at the Jackhead Day of Pentecost House of Prayer who did not show symptoms and was not on any isolation list. The individual tested positive after attending the funeral upon falling ill later that evening.
All Fisher River residents that attended and were present from 1:00pm-5:00pm at the Jackhead Day of Pentecost House of Prayer, are being urged to stay home and self-monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms and to please contact Fisher River Health Services if you begin to develop any of the listed symptoms for more than 24 hours.
The second incident; Manitoba Public Health has advised Fisher River Board of Education of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Wee Care Daycare Centre. The confirmed case is a staff member who was at the facility on Thursday September 24 and Friday September 25, 2020; and did not show symptoms and was not on any isolation list.
Wee Care Daycare Centre is working closely with public health officials and following their recommendations. Upon learning of this information, the daycare facility immediately closed and will not be in operation until further notice.
Be assured that Public Health investigations to identify individuals who may have been exposed begin within 24 hours of a confirmed laboratory test. Anyone identified as a close contact will be contacted and provided instructions for self-isolation (quarantine). Testing may also be recommended.
If you have not been contacted by public health officials, your child(ren) have not been identified as being exposed to COVID-19 from this case.
However, if anyone (adults or children) develops a new onset or worsening of any one symptom listed in Column A or any two or more symptoms listed in Column B (see below), even if they are mild, immediately isolate them from others. It is recommended you get tested for COVID-19 at least 24 hours after symptoms start.
If an individual is not tested for COVID-19, they will be required to isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the start of their symptoms.

We remind members to refrain from posting concerns or reporting individuals on Social Media, as it can lead to panic and stress. It can also impact the important work that Fisher River Health Services must carry out to ensure the safety of our members and may prove to do more harm than some may realize.
Reporting rumours or making negative comments/status’ about individuals who may or may not have COVID-19 or are in Isolation can cause a ripple effect that can do more harm to the overall community in ways such as:

• can make people feel guilty or bad about themselves if they have the virus and affect their mental wellness
• People may be less likely to get tested or seek treatment for the virus if they fear they will face discrimination on social media or in the public.
• People who have COVID-19, or think they may have come into contact with someone who is infected, might avoid a quarantine to hide the fact they are sick.
• Stigma and discrimination can also increase anxiety, as the person has to worry about how to manage the discrimination.

Fisher River Health Services work very closely with individuals to ensure the safety of our community.
Please refer to the Fisher River Cree Nation website, social media pages and mobile app for official information regarding COVID-19.
If you develop symptoms or you are not sure if you should be tested, contact Fisher River Health Services COVID-19 Hotline at 431.256.0395 between 8:30am – 7:00pm. For after hours you can contact Percy E. Moore Hospital at 204.372.8444 or Health Links – Info Santé is available for questions or medical concerns at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. Or if you are need to speak to someone regarding mental wellness, please contact the Rainbow House Wellness Centre 24 Hour Line a 204.256.0359
Please Note: Individuals with symptoms outlined in columns A and B, who choose not to be tested, must isolate for a minimum of 10 days following the start of symptoms. Isolation can be stopped at day 10 provided that the individual has been symptom free for 24 hours. Also, Fisher River Cree Nation and the Board of Education is not permitted to release the name(s) or any identifying information about the confirmed case(s) of COVID-19 to any member of the centre, community or media.