MCFN COVID-19 Working Group Precautions Taken

Press Release

March 27, 2020

There have been questions about the preparation of the food packages that were provided by the MCFN COVID-19 working group. Please be advised that all members of the working group have their Food Handler Certification. All members of the working group participated in the preparation and did not exhibit any symptoms of the virus. The team performed their work cautiously by taking precautions such as frequent hand washing and sanitizing, frequently sanitizing work stations, and wearing gloves and hairnets where appropriate.

Health Canada explains how COVID-19 is most commonly transmitted: (source: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/assumptions.html)

Transmission:

• Symptomatic cases of COVID-19 are causing the majority of transmission.
• Person-to-person transmission is mostly occurring via infectious respiratory droplets.
• Respiratory droplets and contact transmission are considered to be the most important routes of transmission of COVID-19 viruses, but do not fully account for the occurrence of all COVID-19 cases previously known as novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP), and the reasons for the rapid spread of this virus.

The virus enters a person’s body either:

• By large respiratory droplets containing the virus that adhere to mucous membranes of a person’s eyes, nose or mouth or,
• By touching a surface or an object contaminated with the virus and then proceeding to touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth.

Please note that only one member met the criteria to be tested for COVID-19. All individuals who have been in direct contact with this individual, including the rest of the MCFN COVID-19 Working Group, have been advised to self isolate. Due to the precautions taken over the past week and the presenting symptoms, the risk of transmission to the MCFN Working Group is deemed low.

To stop the transmission of COVID-19, it is important to be mindful of frequent hand washing, coughing sneezing etiquette, social distancing and cleaning high traffic areas. Report any symptoms you are experiencing to your Health Practitioner or Public Health Official.

The results of the test will be posted to the community immediately once received.

For further information please check our website – www.mncfn.ca

Kailey Thomson
Chief Operating Officer
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

IHT5