Statement from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation On COVID-19 – April 20th, 2021.
Press Release
At this time, we have 4 active cases of COVID-19 the community and 1 probable case. These cases are community spread. 18 total cases have been resolved.
This is the highest number of cases we seen at once in the community. We are asking everyone to please understand the seriousness of this virus and continue to be diligent in following public health guidelines.
Precautions
Following the Province “Stay at Home Order”, the MCFN Chief and Council have implemented enhanced COVID-19 precautions within our First Nation until May 17th, 2021. The following safety measures are effective immediately, for the MCFN:
• Indoor organized public events and social gatherings outside of your household are not allowed,
• Outdoor gatherings outside of your household are not allowed;
• Playgrounds and recreational facilities in our community will remain open, but please ensure you take all Public Health guidance, as these structures are NOT sanitized;
• Restaurants are limited to takeout services only;
• Fitness and recreation facilities are closed. Virtual classes are permitted;
• Funerals and religious services, rites or ceremonies must abide by the following:
– physical distancing must be maintained;
– guests must wear masks or face coverings;
– capacity limits:
– indoors: 15% capacity of the room;
– outdoors: no more people than social distancing of 2m permits;
– drive-in services, rites or ceremonies permitted with COVID-19 precautions in place;
– virtual services permitted.
Council is permitting OPP to answer reports of violations of any of the above precautions in place.
Safety Measures
Please continue to take extra measures to prevent COVID-19 and the Variants of Concern from spreading in our community. This includes:
• Double masking, or wearing a single mask and a face shield;
• Taking trips are only those of an essential nature only, that being groceries, pharmacy and if necessary, to work;
• Practicing physical distancing of 2-metres when out of your home to get essential supplies;
• Continuing to wash your hands, and practice good hygiene.
Mental Health Supports
We understand the mental health impacts this will have on our youth, and all of our members and we want you to know we are here for you.
Please see resources below:
• MCFN Mental Health Worker Faith Rivers: Faith.Rivers@mncfn.ca or 905-536-7863
• Haldimand Norfolk Reach Services: 519-587-2441 x 350
• Six Nations Crisis Line: 1-866-445-2204
• First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, or text 686868
• Ontario Mental Health Help Line: 1-866-531-2600
April 10th and 11th Vaccine Clinic
We would like to thank MCFN staff, the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit staff, and Dr. Cheng for our successful Vaccine Clinics. With your efforts we have administered a total of 608 Vaccines at our clinics.
As of today’s date, we do not know when there will be another MCFN Vaccine Clinic. These clinics are based upon COVID Vaccine supply and allotment to regions. This is determined by the province, population demand (hot spots) and the local Public Health.
MCFN Members are encouraged to forward their questions and concerns to the vaccine email at vaccine@mncfn.ca Please provide your contact info, phone number and email address. When a Clinic date has been determined, Community Health will contact you. Members are advised that if you do have an opportunity to get COVID Vaccine elsewhere, we recommend that you do so.
Please note, if you have received the Vaccine, you still must follow public health measures, which includes social distancing, masking, handwashing and staying within your own social bubble.
MCFN Organizational Lockdown
The Organizational lockdown will be in effect until May 17th, 2021. During this period, please note the following:
• MCFN Operations will continue to be restricted to operational services only;
• External contractors will be permitted within MCFN buildings only with the approval of the Chief Operating Officer;
• Necessary Social Health Services programming will continue, with enhanced COVID-19 precautions in place;
• All in-person programming will be cancelled for the duration of the lockdown and virtual programming will take place whenever possible;
• Visitors or community members will not be permitted in MCFN administration buildings, the phone line will be manned by a receptionist from 8:30am-2:00pm, Monday through Friday, not including the 1 (one) hour lunch period of 12:00pm-1:00pm;
• LMR will be deemed essential for Community Wellness applications and on-reserve status cards;
• Payments to MCFN will continue to be made online or mailed in.
If you require emergency assistance at this time relating to Social and Health Programs, you can contact their land line at 905-768-1181, and leave a voice mail at the applicable extension of the relevant party.
If you require emergency Administrative support, please contact Kailey Thomson, Chief Operating Officer at 905-979-2957 or Kerri King, Executive Director of Operations at 289-527-0364.
You also have the option to reach out to any member of Council. If you require other information or supports, we encourage you to look to our website and social media for relevant contact numbers and resources.
Testing
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, we are encouraging you to get tested. The results can be delivered to you in as quick as 24 hours.
Please contact the following Public Health Offices and follow their instructions:
• Haldimand Norfolk Public Health – 519-426-6170, ext. 9999
• Six Nations COVID-19 Assessment Centre – 1-855-977-7737 or 226-446-9909
• Brant County Public Health – 519-751-5818 or at covid.assessment@bchsys.org
Please note, the MCFN Community Health Office is not a Public Health Office, although it does assist with contact tracing and wellness checks for those who reside on MCFN.
The MCFN Chief and Council are responsible for making decisions that impact the Membership. If you have any concerns, please contact any member of the table.
IHT5
