CAFN COVID-19 Planning and Response Bulletin 6: March 27, 2020

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) is taking a proactive approach to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and the Yukon.  We must act now to save lives.

Heading out on the land?

It is a perfect time to get outdoors for exercise, fresh air and wellbeing.  Getting outdoors close to home is your best option right now.

If you choose to head out onto the land, to your cabin, or to any wilderness location without services, please keep in mind:

• Please stay at home for 14 days if you are required to self-isolate.  Wait to go out until you know you are healthy and it is safe to do so.  Going to a remote location too soon puts you and others at risk.
• Weekend visits to cabin communities can spread COVID-19 unintentionally.  If you go, maintain a safe distance from others and limit to essential travel.
• Be aware and be prepared that circumstances may change quickly and you risk being stuck in a remote location where emergency and other support may not be possible.
• Providing Essential Services to communities with permanent residences is our number one priority at this time.  CAFN support to seasonal communities and locations is being considered, but is very limited or not possible at this time.
• Let your family know where you are going and when you plan to return home.  This is always a good practice, and COVID-19 responses may change while you are away.
• Check the status of Parks and wilderness locations before you go.  Many parks are closed or limiting access at this time.
• Please harvest safely and responsibly.  Don’t “panic harvest”, abide by harvesting regulations, and be cautious of other hunters.

What should CAFN Citizens do?

Strictly follow all health directives by the governments of Yukon and Canada.

PREVENTION is the only medical treatment for COVID-19 at this time.

With three cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the Yukon on March 25, the Chief Medical Officer reminded us:

1. It is critical to self-isolate for 14 days if you or a member of your household have traveled outside the Yukon or Canada.If you cannot safely self-isolate at home, email [email protected].
2. Be vigilant about self-monitoring for and report COVID-19 symptoms: If you or your immediate family have symptoms of fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, phone 811 and stay home.  Use the COVID-19 online assessment tool at Yukon.ca to help.
3. Space yourself at least 2 metres from others, especially in public spaces.

Continue to:

• Restrict travel. We strongly encourage you to stay home except for essential travel, and reduce travel in and out of rural communities. 
• Prepare to stay home by ensuring you have sufficient essential food and supplies.
• Wash your hands frequently and dry with a clean, dry towel and disinfect frequently-touched home surfaces.
• Talk with your family.  Ensure your children, Elders and other family members understand and are practicing all safety measures.
• Support others by delivering groceries and supplies to the doorsteps of high risk family and friends or people who are self-isolating.  
• Be kind. Have patience and compassion for yourself and others.  This is a difficult time and how you behave sets an example for others.  This is dän k’e – our way.
• Be creative! Find new ways to be productive with your new time at home.

What help is available?

NEW: COVID-19 Citizen Assistance Fund This is a new fund to support all CAFN Citizens with unexpected new costs due to COVID19. Who is eligible?  All CAFN Citizens age 18 and older Single Citizens will receive one-time assistance for $250 Canadian.CAFN households with families will receive one-time assistance of $500 Canadian. UPDATE:  CAFN Citizens DO NOT need to apply to receive this support. CAFN will automatically prepare cheques for families and individuals in keeping with our Citizen Enrollment list.  Please have patience while we implement this as quickly as possible.

Elders Benefits will be doubled for the month of April.  There is no need to apply, this will happen automatically. Questions? Trish George at (867) 336-1598 or [email protected].

Income Assistance for basic needs will be doubled for the month of April.  There is no need to apply.  This will happen if you are currently a client receiving income assistance from CAFN.  Questions? Annette Eikland at (867) 634-5361 or [email protected] or Robert Van Lieshout at (867) 634-5191 or [email protected]

Mental Wellness Support                    Nataschaa Chatterton, Trauma Counsellor Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Support during COVID-19 ·  Telehealth, SKYPE, or walks (social distancing, in Haines Junction) ·  Addressing: anxiety, grief, fear, depression, worry, uncertainty, anger ·  Adults and youth ·  867-335-4460  ·  [email protected] ·  No fee

CAFN continues to provide Essential Services including: Municipal and Property Services, Communications, Finance, Income Assistance, Community Wellness including Elders support and Community Care, and Chief and Council business.  All CAFN offices and public facilities remain closed to the public and all gatherings are cancelled or postponed until further notice.

What is the Government of Yukon doing?  Yukon.ca

New measures:

• Yukon hospitals continue to provide urgent emergency care, but are closed to visitors.
• Yukoners should not go to a hospital for a non-urgent service, treatment or exam at this time.
• New virtual care options are available.  See https://yukon.ca/en/news/new-virtual-care-options-yukoners.
• Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan is extended to cover Yukon residents who are not able to return to the territory because of the pandemic.
• A new respiratory health assessment centre at the Yukon Convention Centre is now open to patients by referral and at designated times.

What is the Government of Canada doing?  Canada.ca

Effective March 25, travellers returning to Canada are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days.

The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit available in April will allow applicants to receive $2,000 in per month for 4 months.  Please watch for more details on how to access this and other financial help.

Service Canada is now offering only Critical Services at Canada.ca/service-canada-home: Applying for Employment Insurance; Applying for Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security; and Applying for Social Insurance Number. 

Questions?  Please contact us.

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.         (867) 634-4200 or (867) 456-6888

After Hours:

Water Delivery                                                    Dave Fairbank                                         250-619-5921             

Waste Management                                        Dave Fairbank                                         250-619-5921

Emergency Property Repairs                        Jim Workman                                          867-634-5377

Information Technology                                 Dietmar Hatzenbichler                        867-634-5237

Payroll & Emergency Cheques                     Trish George                                           867-336-1598

Community Care Workers                              Jacquie Chambers                                 867-634-5219

                                                                                  Darline Blair                                             867-634-5216

                                                                                  After-hours Emergency                      867-332-5261

Heritage Land and Resources                       Jennifer Lee                                            867-332-6862

Watch for news here:

COVID-19 bulletin (M-F) ·  CAFN.ca  ·  Champagne and Aishihik First Nations on FB  ·  E-mail

Door-to-door deliveries in CAFN communities  ·  Posted at community halls