Tahltan Nation COVID-19 Emergency Management Update
Press Release
August 29, 2021
The Tahltan Nation COVID-19 Emergency Management Team (TNCEMT) met today and would like to inform the Tahltan Nation that one individual has tested positive for COVID-19 in Telegraph Creek. This individual had two direct contacts, both of which have tested negative and are self-isolating.
Contact tracing has already been completed and no further transmissions have been identified; therefore, there will be no lockdown at this time.
Those effected by COVID-19 in Iskut and Telegraph Creek are okay, self monitoring, self-isolating, and are being supported by the Tahltan EMC. Please be advised that the cases in Iskut and Telegraph Creek are not linked.
It is important we remain calm, united and understand that TNCEMT will be adapting to our circumstances with our number one priority being: keeping our people safe.
The TNCEMT would like to remind everyone to remain diligent and ensure only verifiable information is shared. We all understand the damage that false information can have.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, self-isolate and immediately contact your local clinic for testing.
TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF EVERYONE IN TERRITORY THE FOLLOWING MEASURES UNTIL WE ARE BACK TO ZERO CASES AND ALL HOUSES ARE OUT OF ISOLATION IN 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 non-essential travel;
- No organized gatherings;
- People scheduled to go back to camp can do so and those coming out are asked to return to their communities where they permanently reside;
- 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;
- Indoor mask wearing is mandatory;
- 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;
- Cough 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 into your upper sleeve, not your hands;
- Don’t Touch Your Face: Don’t transfer the virus into your body by touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
- If you have the slightest of symptoms stay home and contact the health centre; and
- If you get tested for COVID-19 stay in isolation until negative lab results.
In Addition:
Given the recent uptick in BC COVID-19 infections, Tahltans travelling out of Territory are recommended to do the following upon returning:
- Receive an Antigen test at your local health centre or alternate location;
- Self-isolate for 4 days; and
- Receive a second Antigen test at your local health centre and resume normal activities after a negative test.
Please be reminded that self-isolation does allow for you to continue with your employment if your duties do not have close contact with others. If your employment does include close contact with others, employers are being asked to accommodate employees with being able to work from home.
Testing contact numbers (during regular business hours):
People’s Haven in Dease Lake
(250) 771-5577
Health Director of Band Manager in Iskut
(250) 234-3331
Health clinic in Telegraph Creek
(250) 235-3047
Please be advised that communities may have their own tailored guidelines while there is/are active case(s) within their community.
What if I live in Territory but I am currently outside? Is it safe to return?
If you live in Territory, you may return as long as you follow all measures above.
What if I am Tahltan or non-Tahltan and want to come visit the Territory?
At this time, everyone is asked to assist the Tahltan Nation in our efforts to stay at home and to not travel to Tahltan Territory, with the exception of essential services, until the lockdown is lifted.
IHT5
