TNG: April 07, 2020 – COVID-19 Update #13

Press Release

April 7, 2020

Our continued response COVID-19:

TNG remains committed to keeping our employees and the communities we serve safe.

Therefore, we are sharing the following information.

Confirmed Cases:

As of April 7, 2020, there are no confirmed cases in Williams Lake or the Tŝilhqot’in communities. However, the virus continues to spread throughout BC and we are calling on everyone to do their part to stop the spread by staying home or out on the land.

Total new cases: 25
Total cases in BC: 1,291
Total cases in Interior Health region: 128
Total cases in Northern Health region: 23
Total recoveries: 805
Total deaths: 43

How to Care for Someone with COVID-19:

To date, there have been no confirmed cases in Williams Lake or the Tŝilhqot’in communities. However, TNG wants to help prepare communities and their members in the event that a case is identified.

According to the CDC, there are four main points to follow when caring for a COVID-19 infected family member in the home, they are as follows;

1. Monitor for Emergency Signs – If symptoms continue to worsen, call a health care If emergency warning signs emerge seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.

Emergency Warning Signs may include;

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

1. Prevent the spread of germs – Have the person who is infected stay in one room, use a separate bathroom if possible and limit contact with others in the home.

• Avoid sharing personal household items such as towels, dishes, sheets and bedding.
• Have them wear a cloth face mask that covers their mouth and nose when they are around people including YOU!
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for 20 seconds especially after interacting with the person who is sick. If soap and water are not available use hand sanitizer that at least contains 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash laundry thoroughly.
• Do not welcome visitors to your home.
• For additional questions, please contact your healthcare provider.

1. Treat symptoms – Have the person drink lots of fluids and you may treat the symptoms with over the counter medicine.
2. Carefully, consider when to end home isolation. – People who have had COVID-19 can leave the home if they meet the following conditions if they are not to have a test;

• They have been free of a fever for 72 hours (3 days) without the use of fever reducing medicine.
• Other symptoms have improved (cough, shortness of breath).
• At least 7 days of past since their symptoms first appeared.

If they are to be tested to see if they are still contagious, they must meet the criteria above and have received two negative tests over 24 hours. Their doctor or healthcare provider will follow CDC guidelines.

Please note: Elders and those with underlying health conditions such as lung disease, heart disease or diabetes are higher risk to COVID-19 and should seek care as soon as symptoms start.

For more information, please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someone.html

TNG Emergency and Health Lines:

If you have a health-related question please contact the TNG Health Office directly. The Health line is operational Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.

Health Office: Ph:(250) 398-8575

Please call the EOC – State of Emergency Information line if you have questions concerning the COVID-19 emergency situation. The phone is operational during working hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm subject to TNG’s EOC Action Plan.

EOC – State of Emergency Information: Ph: (250)-305-6151

TNG is here for you:

TNG remains operational, a source of information and a point of contact for communities. If you have questions or concerns please reach out to our staff via telephone or email.

TNG office telephone numbers:

TNG Downtown Office: (250) 392-3918

TNG Health Office: (250) 398-8575

TNG EOC – State of Emergency Information: (250)-305-6151

Resources to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 include:
Tŝilhqot’in National Government – Emergency Page
Government of Canada – Public Health
Government of BC – Health Link BC
First Nations Health Authority
World Health Organization

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