CAFN COVID-19 Planning and Response: Bulletin 30

Please click here for Bulletin 30 as a printable pdf w/ live links

Dear Citizens,

 As we begin a new year and the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we still stand together and support each other, even when we are apart.

 We do what we must.  We stay strong together.  We care for each other.  That is who we are – dän shawthän – good people.

 The Yukon and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) both remain in a State of Emergency since November 2021 – first to combat the Delta wave, and now as we are in the Omicron wave.  With Omicron, we are seeing a major shift in the pandemic.  It is more contagious, but most people are getting less sick.  The risk of serious illness remains greatest for our most vulnerable, which means our Elders, people with other health issues, and kids and adults who are not vaccinated.

 Today there are five confirmed active cases in Dakwäkäda, 459 active cases in the Yukon, and likely many cases that have not been counted, as testing is no longer required for those healthy enough to recover at home.  At this time, our Yukon hospitals only have two patients in care for COVID. But, with rapid spread and a higher number of cases, we could quickly overwhelm our health care system which is critical to care for our most vulnerable.

 That is why it is so important to stay the course and use the tools to get through this wave.

 Follow the Safe 6 + 1

1. Stay home when sick, get tested and self-isolate when required.
2. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
3. Respect others by keeping a safe distance – one moose apart.
4. Gather safely: avoid the 3 Cs (crowded places, closed spaces and close contact).
5. Travel respectfully by following local guidance and respecting the rules of each business.
6. Keep your space clean and open windows to improve air flow.

+1 Wear a mask

 Get vaccinated and boosted.  COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are working – they help prevent serious illness from COVID-19 and Omicron. Please protect yourself and others by getting fully vaccinated as soon as possible.

 Feel sick? Stay home.  If you feel sick, no matter how mild. If you have symptoms, even if you have a negative rapid test result, please stay home.

Support each other  If you or a family member are sick, please help each other.  Many in our community may be required to self-isolate and need help to get basic supplies and groceries.  It is a good idea to plan ahead with family and friends and rely on those supports whenever possible. 

 CAFN services during Omicron   Our ultimate goal is to continue the high level of service we already have at CAFN, but important services may be impacted if many of our staff become ill.  If you are in a COVID situation, please contact CAFN and let us who is best to connect with in your family about supports.  But please be aware that our Community Wellness and other teams have ongoing critical supports to deliver and there are limits to our capacity.

 Testing   COVID-19 rapid self-tests are still available for Citizens, staff and your families.  These tests work well to detect when someone is infectious with COVID-19, however, if you have symptoms and test negative, it is still important to stay home and follow public health guidance for isolation.  Please read more about testing and isolation in this bulletin.

 Gunałchish, Kaaxnox, Dän nätthe äda – Chief Steve Smith