Squamish Nation: COVID-19 Community Update

Press Release

Current numbers
Late last night, we received confirmation that no new members tested positive yesterday, and that 27 individuals have now been cleared from isolation.

This evening, we received confirmation of one additional test positive case of COVID-19, bringing our total number of cases to 38. No additional data on clearances was provided today.

Keep up the great work, Squamish members! Your commitment to following the public health protocols is making a real difference in our communities.

Acknowledging our Frontline Workers, including Home & Community Care Staff
While the majority of our staff have been working from home since COVID-19 reached our communities, a limited number of frontline workers have continued their work through these challenging times.

In particular, we’d like to extend a special thank you to the Squamish Nation’s Home and Community Care Staff, who are diligently and safely providing personal care and homemaking services to those who are in most need.

They are:
• Gillian Aird
• Corrie Aker
• Julie Sparrow
• Kiomee Baker
• Sundra Baker
• Teresa Harry
• Noreen Kelly
• Natasha Moore
• Louise Newman
These hard-working staff members spend their visits meal prepping, going to the grocery store, performing light housekeeping duties, and assisting with personal care.

These visits are so important and also provide face to face social interactions to those who are may be feeling isolated and alone during this time.

The Home & Community Care workers are often the first point of contact for clients who need additional home support and/or health services. Their role in the community has a great impact on the clients they serve and they are greatly appreciated.

Public Health Measures
It is apparent that the measures we are all taking have been working as intended to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Let’s keep up the great work by continuing to:
• Keep your bubble small
• Maintain 2m/6ft distance between you and anyone outside your bubble
• Wear a mask anywhere that social distancing may be a challenge
• Wash your hands frequently
• Don’t touch your face

Sending strength and prayers to the Tla’amin Nation and Heiltsuk Nation
We also wanted to take an opportunity to send prayers to the Tla’amin Nation on the Sunshine Coast, who have reported seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their community, with more awaiting test results. The Heiltsuk Nation also announced a positive case in their community yesterday.

This virus impacts our tight-knit First Nations communities in a unique way, and, as we have seen, it can spread quickly through our social circles. We have also seen the strength and unity that can come out of facing such a crisis.

Our thoughts are with Tla’amin and the Heiltsuk as they work diligently to contain the virus in their communities.

Reminder re: Isolation Supports through Member Services
Though 27 of our confirmed cases have now been cleared by public health, there are still others who must continue to self-isolate.

If you are self-isolating due to COVID-19, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Members Services team is providing a wide range of assistance to meet the needs of those in isolation.

Call 604-982-7610 during business hours, or 604-505-3776 after hours.

IHT5

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