Tahltan Nation COVID-19 Emergency Management Update 08/26
Press Release
The Tahltan Nation COVID-19 Emergency Management Team (TNCEMPT) continues to meet weekly to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the threat to our Territory.
With the recent spike in cases, TNCEMPT would like to again stress, in the strongest terms, that Tahltan Territory is not immune from this pandemic. Everyone must do their part to break the chain of commission, flatten the outbreak curve, and prevent the virus from reaching the Territory.
Dr. Bonnie Henry’s has consistently stated that First Nation communities have a larger degree of risk and loss that could happen if the virus was introduced and she has consistently stated that she would leave it up to First Nation communities to decide if it is safe to travel to those communites. Among Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Travel Manners announced on July 7, she states: Before travelling, check on whether there are travel advisories in place for transportation routes and recreational sites, and be sure the community you want to visit is open to visitors.
Tahltan Leaderships continues to stay the course. Please be reminded and respectful of our policies and restrictions regarding this unprecedented and challenging time:
THE FOLLOWING TRAVEL ADVISORY REMAINS IN PLACE FOR TAHLTAN TERRITORY:
On July 30, 2020 the Tahltan Nation announced that everyone, including hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, should avoid non essential travel to Tahltan Territory until the Province safely enters Stage 4 of the COVID-19 response. The consequence of spreading COVID-19 is too great given the limited access to acute medical care for residents along the remote Highway 37 corridor.
All non-essential travel to Dease Lake, Iskut and Telegraph Creek should be avoided, and all recreational activity is strongly discouraged north of Bob Quinn, including hunting regions 6-19 to 6-26. Hunting and recreational activity access points, including the Stikine Bridge, will be blocked with gates, and monitored, including video surveillance.
THE FOLLOWING MEASURES FOR IN-TERRITORY RESIDENTS REMAINS IN PLACE:
In-territory residents are allowed essential travel only within Northwest BC (Terrace, Prince Rupert, Kitimat and as far as Smithers only), without having to self-isolate for 14 days upon return to the Territory.
Those who travel within Northwest BC are now mandated upon their return to wear a mask in public – health centres, stores, post offices, band offices and when entering any facility that limits the ability to social distance – for 14 days upon return.
THE FOLLOWING MEASURES REMAIN IN PLACE FOR NON-TERRITORY TAHLTANS:
Non-territory residents are asked to assist the Tahltan Nation in our efforts to stay at home and to not travel to Tahltan Territory.
No hunting, camping, or recreational activity in Tahltan Territory.
Essential travel only.
THE FOLLOWING PERSONAL MEASURES REMAIN IN PLACE IN TAHLTAN TERRITORY:
Stay Home: Unless you must go to work, or you are going onto the land to exercise with those in your household (people you live with);
Avoid ALL Non-Essential Trips In Your Community: Stop going to other communities. Limit the number of times you go to high traffic areas such as the store or post office;
Physical Distancing: Do not gather in groups. Ensure you stay a minimum of 6 feet away from other people;
Wash Hands Regularly: Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds or more. Soap is the best-known remedy for killing this virus so wash frequently;
Couch or Sneeze Into Your Elbow or a Tissue: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your tissue in a waste basket. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze int your upper sleave, not your hands;
Don’t Touch Your Face: Don’t transfer the virus into your body by touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
TAHLTAN NATION COVID-19 LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL:
If/when a positive test for COVID-19 has been confirmed, by health officials, in any of the three Tahltan communities, all the communities will go into immediate lockdown.
Emergency Management Committee’s and/or Tahltan leadership (President and both Chiefs) can declare a lockdown; however, only Tahltan leadership can lift the lockdown order upon approval from the Public Health Officer.
IHT5
