NFN: Extension of WFH Measures to Feb 7

Press Release

January 13, 2022 – On December 20, 2021, we announced that Nipissing First Nation (NFN) staff were shifting to working remotely again until January 21, 2022 in response to the surge of COVID-19 activity resulting from the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

On January 11^th, NFN Chief and Council approved a recommendation from our Crisis Control Group (CCG) to extend remote work measures for NFN staff who are able to work from home until February 7, 2022. This is to help ensure the protection of staff and community members by reducing the risk of spread of the virus. Our offices will remain closed to the public until further notice.

NFN has the tools in place to enable most of our staff to work remotely, as we have done during previous provincial shutdowns and restrictions. We will continue to do our best to maintain levels of service and a sense of normalcy as the situation evolves.

Essential services will continue to be delivered during this time, and only staff who cannot work from home are permitted to be on-site to perform their duties.

We will evaluate these plans again at our next CCG meeting when we have more information at hand following the January 17^th return to class for provincial elementary and secondary schools.

Impacts on NFN Operations

NFN Offices: Closed to staff until Monday, February 7, 2022 with most staff working remotely unless required on-site to deliver essential services. Our offices are closed to the public until further notice.
NFN Daycares: NFN Child Care centres remain open for parents/guardians who require childcare services. Please note that services may need to be adjusted due to operational constraints and parents/guardians will be advised directly of any changes to service levels via the HiMama app.
Nbisiing Secondary School: Nbisiing Secondary School will continue with virtual learning until Friday, February 4, 2022 with plans to resume in-person learning on Monday, February 7, 2022. For regular updates, please visit the schools website (nbisiing.com/covid-19-information) or Facebook page (facebook.com/NbisiingSecondarySchool).

All plans are subject to change. Please visit nfn.ca for updates.

NFN staff who are working remotely are checking email and voicemail regularly.
You can also call 705-753-2050 to speak to our receptionist or leave a message.
Public Works Emergency Contacts: 705-840-3626 or 705-498-2519

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

NFN Health Services continues to offer vaccination clinics for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd dose boosters for all ages eligible to receive a vaccine on NFN.

The Health Unit is recommending eight weeks between 1^st and 2^nd doses for everyone 5 years of age and older. Individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible to receive a 3^rd dose 84 days after their 2^nd dose.

To book an appointment for a child, youth or adult COVID-19 vaccine here at NFN, please call: Lisa Beaucage at (705) 753-3312 ext. 2259. If you get voicemail, leave a message with your name and number to receive a call back.

In the face of the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, we must focus on what we can control. Continuing to follow public health measures, limiting our close contacts, and doing everything we can to keep ourselves and our community safe.

The best layer of protection is getting vaccinated, and we thank everyone who has rolled up their sleeves to do their part to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community. Chi-Miigwech.

To date, our dedicated Health Services team has held over 81 clinics and administered over 4,300 doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, with 3,881 adult doses of Moderna, 344 Pfizer vaccines to youth between the ages of 12-17 years, and 81 Pfizer vaccines to children between the ages of 5-11 years.

Have Symptoms of COVID-19? Learn what to do on the Health Unit’s website

Posted January 6, 2022 by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 (on a rapid test or PCR test)

Isolate & Notify Close Contacts

Learn how to self-isolate.
If you are 12 years or older and fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days from symptom onset and until your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms), whichever is longer in duration. The people you live with must also isolate at the same time as you, whether they are fully vaccinated or not. Notify close contacts.*
If you are 12 years or older and NOT fully vaccinated, self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or from the date of your test (whichever came sooner). The people you live with must also isolate at the same time as you, whether they are fully vaccinated or not. Notify close contacts.*
If you are under 12 years of age (regardless of your vaccination status), self-isolate for at least 5 days from symptom onset and until your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms), whichever is longer in duration. The people you live with must also isolate at the same time as you, whether they are fully vaccinated or not. Notify close contacts.*
If you are immune compromised (regardless of age and vaccination status), self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or from the date of your test (whichever came sooner). The people you live with must also isolate at the same time as you, whether they are fully vaccinated or not. Notify close contacts.*

*A close contact is anyone you were less than two metres away from for at least 15 minutes, or multiple shorter lengths of time, without personal protective equipment in the 48 hours before your symptoms began or your positive test result, whichever came first. Close contacts in schools should follow the school-based guidance. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive on a COVID-19 19 test, tell your close contacts they have been exposed.

NFN Health Services will continue to support contact tracing for as long as possible to help keep our community safe. If you have symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19 or are a high-risk exposure to a positive case, please call 705-840-8830 and speak with the Community Health Nurse if you have any questions or require guidance.

COVID-19 Testing Information

New testing guidelines include First Nations and people travelling into First Nation communities for work as a priority group, whether you have symptoms or no symptoms. If you are seeking a COVID-19 rapid test or PCR test inform the testing centre or pharmacy that you are from Nipissing First Nation when you schedule the appointment.

To book an appointment at the North Bay Regional Hospital Assessment Centre call 705-474-8600 ext. 4110. To book at the West Nipissing Assessment Centre call 705-753-3110 ext. 357.

The next provincial stock of COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits is targeted for staff and students in school settings and staff and children in childcare settings. More information will be provided as these kits become available for other settings, including for the broader community.

Please visit the Health Unit’s website for more information: COVID-19 Testing – North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (myhealthunit.ca)

Additional Resources

Source: COVID-19: What to do if Symptomatic, Positive or Exposed – North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (myhealthunit.ca) Additional guidance for high-risk settings is provided on this web page.

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