Statement from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation On COVID-19 September 23, 2021

Press Release

Statement from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation On COVID-19

September 23nd, 2021

At this time, we have 4 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. 34 have been resolved, with 1 death. It is important to share that we have been advised that we now have had a confirmed case of the Delta variant within MCFN.

With the rise of cases in our community and in surrounding areas we are asking everyone to please continue to do your part to ensure our Nation is as safe as possible during these challenging times. We are all in this together.

Vaccine

We will be having another Vaccine Clinic on September 24th. While the clinics are becoming less frequent, please do not hesitate to contact the vaccine@mncfn.ca email to request an appointment at an upcoming clinic.

If you have any questions about receiving the Vaccine, please email or call MCFN Community Health at the contact information above. Please ensure you are always receiving information on the Vaccine from a reliable source to avoid the spread of misinformation.

As of September 22nd, the province is requiring people to provide proof of vaccination to access certain businesses and settings. Paper vaccine receipts from Indigenous clinics with community healthcare providers are valid and will be accepted as proof of vaccination. Please note, MCFN will be considering how we will move forward with these requirements in our territory.

If you wish to update your vaccine information into COVaxON, please contact your local public health unit after following these steps:

Forward your request by email to [email protected] and be sure to include;

• Full first and last name, date of birth, address and updated phone number
• Dates of vaccinations
• Health Card Number or Status Number

You will have a choice of:

• curbside pickup with a personal identification card (drivers license, status card, OHIP card),
• permission and consent to receive information by email or
• mail hard copy to a mailing address provided

Expect a response between 5-10 business days.  Alternatively, you can provide consent to the MCFN Community Health department to work with the local public health unit to have your vaccinations uploaded into CoVaxON.

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.

As a reminder, following precautions are currently in place for the MCFN:

• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events gatherings be permitted for up to 100 people (masks mandatory if a distance of 2m cannot be maintained);
• Indoor social gatherings and organized public events be permitted with up to 25 (twenty-five) people (masks mandatory);
• Indoor and outdoor dining permitted, no limits to people per table, with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2m;
• All retail be permitted, with a capacity limited to ensure physical distancing (masks mandatory);
• Indoor religious services, rites and ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services with capacity to ensure physical distancing (masks mandatory);
• Outdoor religious services, rites and ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2m;
• Indoor fitness and personal training permitted, with maximum capacity of 50% (masks mandatory if a distance of 3m cannot be maintained);
• MCFN in-person programming will continue to be offered with COVID-19 enhanced precautions in place, which includes kit pick up for on and off reserve members;
• Personal care services open, including those that require removal of masks, with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2m

Council is permitting OPP to answer reports of violations of any of the above precautions in place.

MCFN Workplace Precautions

Please note, our offices are not set to open to the public until October 25^th, in order to ensure all staff have had time to adjust to the workplace and to the COVID requirements outlined in the MCFN COVID-19 Policy. Appointments are required.

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 Kerri L. King, Acting Chief Operating Officer / Executive Director of Operations at 289-527-0364.

Safety Measures

In Ontario, the Delta is the predominant strain of the virus. We will continue to give the most up-to-date information as we follow the situation. In the meantime, 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;
• Practicing physical distancing of 2-metres when out of your home to get essential supplies;
• Continuing to wash your hands, and practice good hygiene.

Testing and Self Isolation

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in contact with someone who tested positive, please 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 [email protected]

For 10 days after their last exposure, individuals who are fully immunized should:

• wear a mask and maintain physical distancing when outside of the home to reduce the risk of transmission to others in the event they become a case;
• Self-monitor for symptoms daily and self-isolate immediately if symptoms develop.

If you have not received the vaccine you still must self-isolate for 14 days. 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.

Mental Health Supports

We understand the mental health impacts the on-going pandemic can have on our youth, and all of our members.

Please see resources below:

• MCFN Mental Health Worker Faith Rivers: [email protected] or 519-732-5768
• 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

The MCFN Chief and Council are responsible for making decisions that affect the Membership. If you have any concerns, please contact any member of the table.

IHT5