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

New cases of COVID-19 are continuing on an upward trend in many First Nations communities across the country, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.

There were 1,662 active cases of COVID-19 in First Nationsas of Oct. 18, with the majority of new cases reported in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

The federal department said the current rate of reported active cases of COVID-19on reserve is 417.5 per 100,000 or 4.2 times the respective rate in the general Canadian population.

There have been 44,818 cases in First Nations communities since the pandemic began. Within the last week, hospitalizations increasedto 2,039from 1,988 and 13 First Nations people living on-reserve died from COVID-19, bringing the total deaths to 457.

There have been 41,537 recovered cases.

Total cases in First Nations communities per region reported as of Oct. 18:

• British Columbia: 4,963
• Alberta: 12,897
• Saskatchewan: 12,494
• Manitoba: 10,011
• Ontario: 3,357
• Quebec: 1,014
• Atlantic: 82

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Vaccines

As of Oct. 12, a total of 795,121 vaccine doses have been administered to individuals aged 12 years and older in 687 First Nations and Inuit communities. Of that number, 352,434 were second doses.

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, please consult your local health department to book an appointment at a screening clinic.