Fisher River to Maintain 10 Day Isolation Requirements – January 1, 2022

With recommendation from Health Services and the First Nations Pandemic Response Coordination Team, Fisher River Cree Nation will be maintaining the 10 Day Isolation requirements regardless of the Province of Manitoba changing to 5 days to ensure the safety of the community.

Letter to Manitoba First Nations from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:

A recent communique from the Province has alerted Manitobans that they need only isolate for a total of five (5) days from either the date of symptom onset or the date of test for asymptomatic cases if they are fully vaccinated. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is concerned that while this direction may be necessary to preserve critical functions in health care or community infrastructure, that caution is needed before adopting this change in First Nation communities. At this time there is limited evidence to evaluate the risk of moving to a 5-day isolation period given the high risk setting in First Nation communities. As such the AMC immediately recommends the following guidance and direction for all Nations in Manitoba:

– the Pandemic Response Coordination Team (PRCT) strongly advises all Nations to continue the ten (10) day isolation period for close contacts regardless of vaccination status;
– the PRCT recommends that cases in First Nation communities isolate for a minimum of 7 days while we further evaluate the evidence of Omicrons transmission dynamics and periods of communicability.

This has been discussed with Dr. Brent Roussin, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, who is supportive of this direction in First Nation communities.

AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated, “It is because of the PRCT and the strength of our First Nations leadership that we set the tone in Manitoba over the past two years. We make hard decisions to protect our most loved citizens. I remain supportive and committed to our PRCT team, their expertise and guidance and encourage all First Nations in Manitoba to remain at the 10-day isolation period at this juncture. I would further, again, encourage the Province to reconsider their lack of consultation with First Nations and instead, look to the PRCT and First Nations leadership as partners and leaders in the fight against COVID-19.”

Sincerely,
ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA CHIEFS
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas