COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know

The total number ofhospitalizations for people on First Nations due to COVID-19 has gone up sincemid-December.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) said as of Jan. 4, there were 2,473 total hospitalizations in First Nations communities due to COVID-19. As of Dec.15, the number of total hospitalizations was 2,388.

According todata from ISC, there were 2,667 active cases of COVID-19 reported in First Nations as of Jan. 4. This is up significantly from the 916 active cases reported as of Dec. 22. Case numbers may be understated assome provinces are now limiting access toPCR tests.

As of Jan. 4, there have been 55,347total cases in First Nations communities. To date there have been 566 deaths,and 52,114 recovered cases.

To date, ISCisaware of a total of 508 cases in First Nations communities due to the Omicron variant: 337in Eastern Canada and 171 in Western Canada.A total of 29 First Nations have reported cases ofthe strain.

Total case numbers in First Nations communities per region as of Jan. 4:

• British Columbia: 6,489
• Alberta: 14,742
• Saskatchewan: 13,878
• Manitoba: 12,592
• Ontario: 5,047
• Quebec: 1,911
• Atlantic: 688

Rapid tests helpful, says nurse

Isabelle Wallace,a nurse atthe health centre in Madawaska Maliseet First Nation in New Brunswick, said the use of rapid tests has helped curb spread of COVID-19 in the community.

The First Nation 197 kilometresnorth of Frederictonhas an on-reserve population of just over 200 residents.

"We did have active cases, positive cases that were caught early with rapid tests," said Wallace.

Before the community health centre shut down for the holidays in late December, she helped to distribute rapid tests, and used social media to educate people on how to self-administer them.

She said the tests provide reassurance to people "just knowing that they can do somethingon top of getting vaccinated."

"I feel like these are good measures to prevent transmission in the community."

Wallace tested positive herself for the Omicron variant over the holidays.

"I got COVID, but I can prevent more cases by just being human about it," said Wallace.

"I'm all about reducing stigma for any diseases and we should be able to talk about it without feeling guilt or shame.We should act as a community instead of trying to pinpoint where the virus is from. I mean, it's here and we have to deal with it, so we should support each other."

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What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

• New or worsening cough.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Temperature equal to or over 38 C.
• Feeling feverish.
• Chills.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Muscle or body aches.
• New loss of smell or taste.
• Headache.
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting.
• Feeling very unwell.

If you think you might have COVID-19,consult your local health department to book an appointment at a screening clinic.

(Source: Government of Canada)