Fisher River Health Services COVID-19 Special Bulletin (September 11, 2020)

On September 9, 2020; Fisher River Health Services was notified of an individual of the community who became symptomatic on September 8, 2020. The individual received a COVID-19 test at the Percy E. Moore Hospital where the results returned positive for COVID-19 on September 10, 2020. The test has been sent to the provincial public health laboratory for confirmation. The individual is in stable condition and is self-isolating.
Upon investigation with Fisher River Health Services and First Nations Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), they found the individual was exposed to the virus in the Winnipeg health region prior to September 6, 2020 and was asymptomatic when returning to the community.
Fisher River Health Services have already conducted contact tracing and have contacted those who were in close contact with the individual. All the individuals are now in 14 day self-isolation and self-monitoring. Fisher River Health Services are and will be doing active daily monitoring with all involved.
We have been working with our FNIHB, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority and University of Manitoba partners to expand COVID-19 testing capacity in the community for individuals experiencing symptoms. We anticipate these resources being available in the next couple days and will send more details when confirmed.
Considering the situation, the Fisher River Administration Office was closed Friday September 11, 2020 to clean and sanitize and will be reopening on Monday September 14, 2020.
Leadership and Health Services want to ensure community members that there is no immediate threat to the public but to ensure that you follow public health protocol such as:

• wearing a face mask in the public,
• maintain Social distancing.
• clean commonly touched surfaces,
• frequently wash hands for 20 seconds,
• avoid contact with sick individuals, and
• stay home if feeling sick.

We also ask members to refrain from posting concerns or reporting individuals on Social Media, as it can lead to panic and stress. Fisher River Health Services work very close 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. Fisher River Health Services have been preparing for such a situation from the beginning and all procedures and protocols are being followed to ensure the safety of the community.
If you have travelled outside of Manitoba, experience fever, cough, shortness of breath or have symptoms of a respiratory illness (regardless of travel), even if mild, stay home and contact Fisher River Health Services at 204.645.2689 or Percy E. Moore Hospital at 204.372.8444. Also Health Links – Info Santé is available for questions or medical concerns at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
Stay vigilant, stay safe, stay strong and be respectful; we as a community will get through this together.
Chief David Crate & Leadership
Fisher River Health Services