COVID-19 Update from the AFN Health Director | March 23, 2020

Published: March 23 2020 10:44

March 23, 2020

Health Director Update #5

As of March 22, 2020, there are 28 cases of Covid-19 in NS. The cases are spread throughout NS and range in men and women from their late teens to mid seventies.
Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief public health officer, said although there has been no community spread in Nova Scotia, he expects it will happen soon. As of Sunday’s, update, more than 2,100 people in the province had been tested for COVID-19.

As many of you know the Premier of NS has declared a ‘state of emergency’. His message was clear. We, as a community, must ensure that we continue to follow the directives of the Nova Scotia Public Health Authority.

The government extended authority to create and enforce guidelines when necessary. Law enforcement will now have the authority to fine people who gather in groups of larger than five and/or who are not following social distancing protocols. Individuals will face a fine of $1000 and business $7500.

Protocols relating to travel were also updated. Effective yesterday, anyone traveling into the province must self-isolate for 14 days. This is an expansion of the directive that anyone returning from international travel must self-isolate. Related to travel, the border between Canada and the United States has been closed to all non-essential travel as well as provincial borders being tightened.
All provincial parks are closed. Visitors will be considered trespassers and their vehicles can be towed.
Dental offices have been ordered to close unless a medical emergency is determined.
Nova Scotia Health Authority has restricted visitors and is suspending some elective and non-urgent appointments and services to contain the spread of COVID-19 and conserve resources. Read more on the NSHA website.

IWK Health Centre has restricted visitors and is suspending all non-urgent appointments and services. Urgent and emergency appointments and services are continuing. Read more on the IWK website.

Our Mental Health services provided by NSHA are still being offered via telephone.

 Eskasoni FN has offer the services of the Eskasoni Crisis and referral line services. These services can be offered in Mikmaw and English.
Eskasoni CRISIS AND REFERRAL SERVICES
TOLL FREE 1-855-379-2099

Acadia First Nation Health Centres are closed. Dr. Marais will still be operating his practice under his regular business hours to see his practice patients who ARE NOT experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 in the Yarmouth Health Centre.
Please do NOT enter the Health Centre if you are exhibiting symptoms. If you are unsure of what to do, call Pam and she will advise how to proceed (902)742-7598.
Not everyone who has concerns about COVID-19 needs to call 811. To find out if you need to call, use the COVID-19 online self-assessment.
As always, continue with Proper hygiene which will reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
  • use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• when coughing or sneezing:
  • cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
  • dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

Marla Robinson-Pyne
Health Director Acadia First Nation
Phone: (902)742-0257

COVID-19 Update from the AFN Health Director | March 20, 2020

Published: March 20 2020 10:23

March 20, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE # 4 (March 20, 2020)
NIHB UPDATE

The NIHB program is continuing to provide benefits and services while following public health guidance and recommendations from health professionals as the situation evolves.
The NIHB Drug Exception Centre, Dental Predetermination Centre and regional call centres continue to operate and receive calls from providers and clients. Please note that wait times may be longer than usual, and we appreciate your patience.
The NIHB program normally covers up to a 100-day supply of chronic medications. In determining the quantity to refill for clients, pharmacists will consider advice from professional associations and regulatory bodies, as well as patient-specific factors. If a client is seeking an early refill (before 2/3 of their medications are used), the pharmacist may submit the claim with an over-ride code, and NIHB will reimburse. However, it is the pharmacist’s decision to provide early or longer refills.
NIHB clients are encouraged to consult with their health or benefit service provider to confirm whether routine, non-urgent appointments should be postponed.
Dental professional organizations across Canada have advised that non-emergency services should be postponed. Call your dental provider’s office to see if any scheduled dental appointments have been cancelled.
You may contact your mental health service provider to confirm whether they can provide counselling services via telephone (tele-mental health services by eligible providers are covered by the NIHB program).
NIHB is continuing to support clients who need medical transportation benefits to access urgent or essential medical services. Vulnerable clients will be supported by prioritizing private modes of transport. Additional guidance has also been provided to support external service providers (such as boarding homes and airlines) for infection prevention/control.
As the situation evolves, information will be provided through NIHB call centres and posted online.

As the situation evolves, we will share any further updates or changes to NIHB operations with you. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this challenging time.

Non-Insured Health Benefits
Atlantic Region
1-800-565-3294 /

Marla Robinson-Pyne
Health Director Acadia First Nation
Cell Phone: (902)740-7089

COVID-19 | Chief and Council Update

Published: March 19 2020 15:10

Chief and Council Update
March 19, 2020

Acadia First Nation Chief and Council has been continually meeting and participating in numerous Conference calls over the last number of days concerning the Covid-19 Pandemic. We have had numerous conference calls with various departments and levels of Government including Indigenous Affairs Canada. Our EMO team have been meeting for many weeks preparing. In fact we have been working on a pandemic response plan for quite some time. Our Health team continues to work diligently to update our members and relay the latest information.

Some of you may have heard our Prime Minister announced yesterday there would be $305 Million set aside for Indigenous Communities to establish a support fund. This fund will be for all First Nations across Canada including Métis and Inuit. At this point we have not been advised how much Acadia First Nation will receive from this fund. We have also not been advised what specifically we will be able to use these funds for. Once we have this information it will be communicated to our members.

We are working on submitting an application for emergency health funding from Indigenous Affairs Canada. This emergency money will be used for a variety things. We will be stocking each community centre with necessary supplies such as cleaning supplies and health related items. Many items have already been ordered and arriving soon. We will also be stocking homemade frozen meals at our community centre. These meals will be made by our restaurants. These supplies and food will be kept at the Community centre. Items will not be distributed at this time but held for emergencies that might arise in the coming weeks. They will be disturbed as needed to our band members should the need arise.

Our Gas stations continue to operate. Our Yarmouth and Medway restaurants are still providing take-out orders. Our gaming operations including Bingo have been suspended. Our staff at all locations are doing a tremendous job and we appreciate all their hard work. Our Fisheries Department continues to operate and our fishing crews will be continuing as long as possible. Our Administration staff will now begin working from home. Thank you to all our dedicated employees.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Chief and Council are continuously monitoring and assessing the situation. As announced yesterday additional assistance will be provided to some of our most vulnerable members. This includes Elders, Social Assistance recipients, Disability Pension recipients and AFN sponsored students who live in apartments and on their own.

We encourage everyone to stay home if you can. Follow all Public Health recommendations. Check our AFN Website and various Facebook pages for updates and information. Check in and look out for one another especially our Elders and those who at high risk. We will continue to keep you informed throughout these difficult times.

Acadia First Nation
Chief and Council

COVID-19 Update from the AFN Health Director | March 19, 2020

Published: March 19 2020 14:23

March 19, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE # 3 (March 19, 2020)

Please see below the most up-to date information regarding COVID-19; COVID-19 testing data
Nova Scotia is testing for COVID-19. Updated 19 March 2020.

* Confirmed cases are those confirmed by the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.
** Presumptive cases are those found to have a presumptive positive result from the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Microbiology Lab and have been sent to the National Microbiology Lab and are awaiting confirmation.

Acadia First Nation Health Centres will be closed as of Thursday, March 19, 2020. Dr. Marais will still be operating his practice under his regular business hours to see his practice patients who ARE NOT experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 in the Yarmouth Health Centre.
Please do NOT enter the Health Centre if you are exhibiting symptoms. If you are unsure of what to do, call Pam and she will advise how to proceed (902)742-7598.

Notices and Closures

• Long-term care facilities are closed to all visitors.
• Public schools will be closed for two weeks following March Break (weeks of March 23 and March 30).
• All licensed childcare providers are required to close (through April 3 inclusive).
• March Break camps are cancelled.
• Casinos in Halifax and Sydney are closed and bar owners can no longer operate VLTs.
• Employers cannot require a doctor’s note if an employee must be off work.
• All service providers funded through the Department of Community Services’ Disability Support Program, including social enterprises, day programs, and supported employment programs for adults with diverse abilities are closed.
• Effectively immediately, there are to be no gatherings of more than 50 people.

Organizations and businesses are required to practise social distancing of two metres (6 feet).

As of Thursday, 19 March:

• restaurants are restricted to take-out and delivery orders only. They can’t open for in-person dining.
• all drinking establishments, winery and distillery tasting rooms and craft taprooms must close (private liquor stores can operate, and craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries can still sell their products from their storefronts).
• personal services, such as hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons, and body art establishments must close.
• all fitness establishments, such as gyms, must close.
Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre
Nova Scotia Health Authority has restricted visitors and is suspending some elective and non-urgent appointments and services to contain the spread of COVID-19 and conserve resources. Read more on the NSHA website.
IWK Health Centre has restricted visitors and is suspending all non-urgent appointments and services. Urgent and emergency appointments and services are continuing. Read more on the IWK website.
Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Nation Cancer Care Strategy.
- All chemotherapy/radiation treatments will continue, unless told otherwise by the patient's oncology team.
- All other appointments will be moved to telehealth, when possible.
- Cancer screening appointments (i.e., CAT scans, PET scans, etc.) will now be made on a case-by-case basis. If you are a Mi’kmaw cancer patient, and have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact any of us:
- Aaron Prosper: ; Phone #: 902-322-3240
- Chelsea Googoo: ; Phone #: 782-777-0095
- Dylan Letendre: ; Phone #: 782-777-0104
- Karlee Francis: ; Phone #: 782-777-0097

NADACA

Kolby Blair(NADACA prevention worker) will be working from home until further notice.If you need to reach her during business hours (8am-5pm, Monday-Friday) you can text/call 902-815-6010.
Please note the NS mental health crises line is available 24/7 Toll Free1-888-429-8167.
As always, you are encouraged to:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer; avoid hand shakes; wash your hands before and after preparing food; wash hands after handling waste
• Cough or sneeze into your inner elbow or a tissue (throw tissue away)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash and sanitize surfaces like taps, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, and countertops daily
• Sanitize remote controls, cell phones, phones, and other hand-held devices
• Avoid close contact – stay 6 feet apart (2 meters); avoid crowds; shop during off-peak hours

Please feel free to contact myself at anytime with questions and/or concerns you may have around COVID-19 and how to keep yourself and loved ones safe. Watch for regualr updates from myself which will be posted to our AFN website as this situation is rapidly changing,

Marla Robinson-Pyne
Health Director Acadia First Nation
Cell Phone: (902)740-7089

COVID-19 Update from the AFN Health Director

Published: March 18 2020 16:23

March 18, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE (March 18, 2020)

The COVID-19 virus is now in Nova Scotia. We will work with Nova Scotia Public Health to prepare and respond to the virus. There are no vaccines for COVID-19. It is important to remember that most people who get the virus will have mild or moderate symptoms and will not require hospitalization. Good hygiene remains the best defence. Social distancing of 6 feet (2 metres) is also very important.

You are encouraged to:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer; avoid hand shakes; wash your hands before and after preparing food; wash hands after handling waste
• Cough or sneeze into your inner elbow or a tissue (throw tissue away)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid sharing items that may have saliva on them like utensils and bottles/glasses
• Wash and sanitize surfaces like taps, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, and countertops daily
• Sanitize remote controls, cell phones, phones, and other hand-held devices
• Avoid close contact – stay 6 feet apart (2 meters); avoid crowds; shop during off-peak hours
• Limit contact with others if you feel sick

Travel-related:

• You must self-isolate (stay home) for 14 days after returning from travel outside of Canada and monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19; limit your contact with the elderly, those with compromised immune systems (e.g. cancer treatments), and those with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and COPD
• You must self-isolate (stay home) for 14 days if you have been in close contact (within 2 metres/6 feet) with someone with confirmed COVID-19, or someone with symptoms who has recently returned to Canada and monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19; limit your contact with the elderly, those with compromised immune systems (e.g. cancer treatments), and those with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and COPD

Symptoms of COVID-19:

• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
• New cough (or one that gets worse)
• Difficulty breathing

If you feel unwell:

• And develop a new cough or fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) within 14 days of returning from travel outside of Canada or have been in close contact with someone who has travelled or has confirmed COVID-19, immediately self-isolate (stay home) and complete the questionnaire at https://when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca/en before calling 811 to find out if you need testing for COVID-19.
• Do not go to a COVID-19 assessment site unless 811 asks you to go there.
• Do not come to the AFN Health Centre if you have a fever or new cough
• Avoid close contact with older people, or those with chronic conditions and compromised immune systems.
• Avoid having visitors to your home.
• Avoid crowds and standing in line.
• Avoid public transit like buses and taxis.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your arm when sneezing or coughing.

For more information on COVID-19, including how to self-isolate, visit canada.ca/coronavirus or novascotia.ca/coronavirus. Or call the Government of Canada’s toll-free information line at 1-833-784-4397. If you feel anxious about COVID-19 and need to talk with someone, call the toll-free Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167.

Marla Robinson-Pyne
Health Director, Acadia First Nation
Yarmouth Health Centre
15234 Hwy 3
Yarmouth NS
B5A4A8
Phone: (902)742-4337
Fax: (902)742-4824

Notice from Acadia FN Chief and Council

Published: March 18 2020 11:20

Notice

On Monday March 16 Council met with EMO to address Pandemic planning in our communities.

Council approved additional funding supports for all Elders and Social assistance recipients. Councillors have been contacting every elder personally to check in with them and notify them of this support. Elders are being advised to stay home and have others pick up supplies for them. In cases where they do not have family to pick up supplies they should contact their council members. Councillors have already offered to assist Elders pick up supplies when needed.

Due to confidentiality our social recipients will be contacted directly by our Social support staff. Only our Social Admin staff have access to this list.

We will also be providing extra assistance to our students who are not living at home. They will be contacted directly.

- Acadia FN Chief & Council