Statement from the Mississaugas of the Credit on COVID-19 – September 3rd

At this time, we have 4 active cases of COVID-19 the community. 28 have been resolved, with 1 death. Over 60% of our community has received the Vaccine.

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

Individuals who have received their 1st and 2nd doses at the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) Vaccine Clinics can update their immunization record onto COVaxON by contacting their local Public Health Unit.

Please 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.

We will continue to update accordingly on any future MCFN Vaccine Clinics. If you have the opportunity to receive the vaccine elsewhere in the meantime, we highly recommend 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.

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 (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.

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.

MCFN Return to Work

As of August 30th, MCFN have started transitioning staff back into the workplace on a gradual basis. All operational services will continue, and we will plan for COVID-19 enhanced programming to resume, recognizing the current health and safety requirements that are in place.

Work practices and procedures are needed to protect the organization staff, community members, visitors, and the Council. The following procedures as outlined in our COVID-19 Policy will help to ensure the health and safety of all who enter the Community during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• All staff must complete the mandatory screening process prior to entering the workplace, including a temperature check. If staff are showing symptoms, they are not permitted to enter the workplace.
• All staff must wear a 3-ply mask when in common areas of the workplace (if a mask cannot be worn due to medical reasons, a face shield must be worn). The mouth and nose must be covered.
• Hand washing, social distancing, and sanitizing in the workplace is essential.

Please note, our offices are not set to open to the public until October 25^th, in order to ensure all staff are able to adjust to the workplace and to the COVID requirements outlined in the 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.

LSK Registration and iPad Pickups

LSK will be returning to online synchronous and asynchronous learning on September 7, 2021. Children will be required to log on with their school issued iPad, available for pick up at LSK on September 3^rd between the hours of 9am to 4pm. If you have not yet returned your iPad from the previous school year, please do so ASAP in order for staff to update the device.  All parents are required to return the iPad when we return to in person learning on October 12, 2021.

LSK registration forms must be completed by all new and returning LSK families. This form provides our school with important student information along with pertinent current family contact information. In order for LSK families to receive their iPad, they must provide an updated registration form. Digital registration forms can be accessed from the LSK website (https://lskelementary.com/) and completed forms can be emailed to [email protected]. If needed, paper copies of registration forms will also available in-person at the school during our pick-up. Please be mindful of COVID-19 protocols and remain in your vehicle at all times.

If you have questions, please contact LSK at 905-768-3222.

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

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 [email protected]

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.

IHT5