Squamish Nation – Update to Membership: Confirmed COVID-19 Cases & Temporary Closure of Nation Offices

Press Release

Following a notification pathway developed jointly between Vancouver Coastal Health and the First Nations Health Authority developed specifically for use in First Nations communities, this notice is to inform our community of multiple positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Squamish Nation members. All cases have been linked to the first confirmed case on the Capilano IR #5.

There is no need to panic. The patients are informed, isolated, and receiving care. As per public health protocols, all close contacts are already in isolation and are being tested. The public health agencies are leading all contact tracing work, and we are working closely with Vancouver Coastal Health and FNHA to ensure all public health and safety measures are being followed.

Because some of these community members are also employees of the Nation, the Managing Directors have called for a two-week closure of all Nation offices. All non-essential employees will be working from home during this time, and visitors will not be allowed into the offices.

Be kind. Please be kind and respect our fellow community members’ privacy. Don’t share names or other personal information, and don’t engage with rumours. We are all in this together. It’s up to each and every one of us to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Protecting yourself and others:

Cases are on the rise again province-wide, so there are increased chances of there being positive cases around all of us. We should all be following and continuing to promote public safety measures.

We must continue doing what we’ve been asked to do all along:

• keep your “bubble” small
• stay home as much as possible
• maintain six feet of distance between yourself and others
• wear a mask when physical distancing isn’t possible
• wash your hands frequently, don’t touch your face
• stay home if you feel even the slightest bit sick.

What to do if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms:

If you believe you may have symptoms of COVID-19, call 8-1-1.

The symptoms most commonly found with COVID-19 infection include: fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, chills, loss of sense of smell or taste, nausea and vomiting, cough or exacerbation of chronic cough, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, fatigue, runny nose, diarrhea.

Feel sick? Get tested. There are two testing sites on the North Shore for anyone showing symptoms: one at the Primary Care Centre on Esplanade, and another in the Centennial Theatre parking lot. In Squamish, testing is done at the Squamish General Hospital.

If you live in the same household, or have had close contact with a person with confirmed or clinical COVID-19 symptoms who is self-isolating, you should self-isolate and contact 8-1-1 and follow medical professionals’ guidance related to symptoms, testing and self-isolation.

If you have been in close contact with a person who has exhibited COVID-19 symptoms, you should self-monitor and take extra precautions to minimize the risk of transmission.

DID YOU KNOW?

Failing to comply with the Provincial Health Orders can now cost you up to $2,000

Law enforcement officers in BC (police and RCMP) now have the authority to issue fines for failing to comply with Provincial Health Orders, including gatherings over 50 people, as well as smaller gatherings of under 50 people where physical distancing is not enforced and/or other precautions are not being taken. Event/party hosts can be fined up to $2,000, and attendees may also be issued smaller fines.

Help keep our communities safe. Report parties where physical distancing is not being observed by calling your local police or RCMP non-emergency line.

IHT5