Volume 51 | April 9, 2021
FNHMA Health Bulletin: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Thanks for subscribing to our weekly health and wellness bulletin.

In this edition, we're sharing an important update on our Virtual Town Hall. We're also sharing webinar information, funding opportunities with deadlines that are today or nearing, relevant news stories, and COVID-19 data.

Today is the last day to apply for our Director of Programs role! Apply before 5pm EST.

In this week's edition, learn more about:

  • Weekly Virtual Town Hall Update
  • Total Number of Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 ISC is aware of as of April 8, 2021
  • "FNHMA Supports COVID Vaccine Confidence And Urges People To Continue Maintaining Safety Protocols"
  • "COVID-19 In Indigenous Communities: What You Need To Know This Week"
  • "First Nation Offered Vaccines To Those Outside Community To Avoid Wasted Doses"
  • "New COVID-19 Rapid Testing Site Opening In Winnipeg To Make Testing More Accessible To Indigenous People"
  • "Indigenous Leadership Key To COVID-19 Case Decline, Says Minister Marc Miller"
  • ''NS Government: Five Cases Of COVID-19, Additional Variant Case Identified"
  • "Community Update #8: Preliminary Detection Of A Variant Concern Linked To COVID-19 Outbreak on NFN"

Scroll down for these stories and more.

Weekly Virtual Town Hall Update
We're Back - April 14, 2021!

We are returning with our new season.

Catch us every WEDNESDAY now on Indigenous Health Today - the same place you've always watched. What's changed is the day. We're shifting from Thursday's to Wednesday's now.

Now, here's the other big change. If you happen to miss the webcast, then you can catch us each Saturday on APTN!

We are really excited to continue sharing important information on the pandemic, vaccines and other resources with our trusted expert guests.

Did you miss a Town Hall?

If you missed a Town Hall, you can watch them all. Simply click the button below to view our archived list.
National and First Nation COVID-19 News
Total Number Of Confirmed Cases Of COVID-19 ISC Is Aware Of As Of April 8, 2021
As of April 8, 2021, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) records indicate that there are 25,393 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on First Nations reserves, in 7 regions/provinces. There are 1,146 hospitalizations, 24,468 recovered cases, and 296 deaths.

For more information on these numbers and for more information on how to keep your family safe, please click here.

Click here to see the full ISC Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous communities page.
"FNHMA Supports COVID Vaccine Confidence And Urges People To Continue Maintaining Safety Protocols"
"Kim Daly, Senior Nurse Manager of the Communicable Disease Control Department at Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), appeared on the March 25 episode of the First Nation Health Managers Association weekly podcast to speak about the vaccination roll-out in Canada.

“If you’re watching a lot of media, there’s a lot of focus on the negative. But really, provinces and territories appear to be doing really good — it’s pretty smooth with getting things out. I’ve heard people have some glitches with booking things but… it does take some persistence to get in there and do that,” said Daly.

“If you have older people who are trying book [a vaccination], that’s your role there… to get in there and help them with that. That’s what we can do to help get people vaccinated — I feel very strongly about that.”

She then went on to talk about the AstraZeneca vaccine and the rumours that is causes blood clots. “There isn’t any evidence that we’ve found so far,” said Daly.

Daly is referring to the announcement that the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended a pause on the AstraZeneca vaccine for people under the age of 55. This is following concerns that the vaccine may be linked to rare blood clots."

Click here for the full article.
"COVID-19 In Indigenous Communities: What You Need To Know This Week"
"As vaccine distribution continues in First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada, the number of active COVID-19 cases continues on a downward trend. 

There were 707 active cases in First Nations communities as of April 4, a decrease of 224 from a week prior according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada. As of March 31, there were no active cases in the Nunavik region of Quebec and zero active cases reported in Nunavut.

New infections this week were reported primarily in Alberta and Manitoba with 84 and 81 cases respectively reported on-reserve. A new rapid COVID-19 testing facility opened in Winnipeg's North End to make it easier for urban Indigenous people, as well as those travelling to northern Indigenous communities, to be tested for the virus."

Click here for the full update.
"First Nation Offered Vaccines To Those Outside Community To Avoid Wasted Doses"
"A southern Manitoba First Nation struggling to entice its members to be vaccinated allowed more than 100 people outside of the community to get the shot to prevent the doses from being wasted.

Dennis Meeches, the chief of Long Plain First Nation says word got out about a vaccine clinic, which was held last Wednesday in Portage la Prairie, Man., and dozens of people showed up to line around the block.

He says the clinic was meant to provide doses for on and off-reserve members, but only 69 members were immunized that day, and the vaccines were set to expire in 10 days.
"The numbers weren't the best for Long Plain members so we extended that to employees, off-reserve members, employees and then we went a little bit beyond that," Meeches said. 

Of the 253 doses given on Wednesday, 124 were given to people who heard about the clinic through word of mouth but aren't connected to the community."

For the full story, click here.
"New COVID-19 Rapid Testing Site Opening In Winnipeg To Make Testing More Accessible To Indigenous People"
"A new rapid COVID-19 testing facility has opened in Winnipeg's North End to help make it easier for urban Indigenous people, as well as those travelling to First Nations, to be tested for the illness.

Starting Tuesday, the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre on King Street will offer COVID-19 testing to people who are symptomatic and those who need a COVID-19 test prior to travelling to a northern community, according to Monday's COVID-19 bulletin issued by the Manitoba government.

"This rapid testing site is there to reduce as many barriers as possible so that we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the urban Indigenous community," said Diane Redsky, executive director of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre.

As part of its rapid testing site operations, Ma Mawi staff will offer wraparound care to help those who may need transportation, child care or food, among other things in order to get tested, she said.

"It could be a parent or family that is living with a whole bunch of people in the home. Anybody test positive? Everybody is in self isolation," she said."

For the full story, click here.
"Indigenous Leadership Key To COVID-19 Case Decline, Says Minister Marc Miller"
"'You can't underplay or underestimate the work that the Indigenous leadership has done,' says Miller

Indigenous leadership and the early deployment of vaccines have caused COVID-19 cases on reserves to drop more than 85 per cent since January, Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said today.

At the start of the year, there were more than 5,000 active cases in First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada — that number had dropped to 635 by April 6, Miller said.

"Continued uptick of vaccines in Indigenous communities is a large contributing factor to the decline in active cases in addition to the continued respect of public health measures," he said.

From the pandemic's start up to April 6, First Nations reserves have seen 25,174 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 24,249 recoveries and 290 deaths.

Miller said that 257,279 vaccine doses have been administered in 612 communities representing 60 per cent of Indigenous adults in First Nation and Inuit communities."

''NS Government: Five Cases Of COVID-19, Additional Variant Case Identified"
"Five new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, April 8.

Three cases are in Central Zone and are related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The people are self-isolating, as required.

There are also two cases in Eastern Zone. Both are related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The people are self-isolating, as required.

Unrelated to the cases announced today, one new UK variant case has been identified. The person is a Nova Scotia resident who is living and working outside of the province. This case has no known close contacts in Nova Scotia.

This brings the total number of cases of the UK variant in Nova Scotia to 23. The number of South African variant cases remains at 10.

“Day after day we are seeing the results of the hard work of Nova Scotians to keep the COVID-19 case numbers low,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Let’s keep this up and stay ahead of the virus. Remember to follow the health protocols. We know how effective they are.”

As of today, Nova Scotia has 40 active cases of COVID-19."

"Community Update #8: Preliminary Detection Of A Variant Concern Linked To COVID-19 Outbreak On NFN"
"This notice is to advise the community of a recent development regarding the positive COVID-19 cases connected to the outbreak on NFN focused on the community of Duchesnay. Lab testing from Public Health has confirmed preliminary detection of a variant of concern (VOC) in these cases. The samples will be sent for further testing to identify the strain and nature of the variant with results expected in approximately three (3) weeks.

As noted in Update #7 issued earlier today, there are currently seven (7) cases of COVID-19 that are known to be linked and that are still listed as active. When the outbreak was declared on March 31st, there were five (5) positive cases of COVID-19 known to be linked. The origin of this outbreak cannot be confirmed at this time and the investigation remains ongoing.

There is currently no timeline for when the outbreak declaration will be lifted as that will depend on when the outbreak is contained. The outbreak will be considered contained when all positive cases are resolved, and it is confirmed that there is no further spread of COVID-19 in the community linked to these cases.

We cannot stress enough the importance of staying home, getting vaccinated and following public health measures at all times."

For the full press release, click here.
COVID-19 #StopTheSpread
Tool Kit For Health Care Providers

**COVID-19 Vaccination Information Resources**

It's normal that Canadians may have questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Health care providers are uniquely positioned to answer questions and provide information.

Available for Download Now!

In EN and FR: 👉 http://ow.ly/Jbc550DBNdM
COVID-19 Communications Toolkit - Free Download - UPDATE 2

**The Communications Toolkit has been updated as of March 2, 2021. Check below for the latest version.**

The pandemic has touched many Indigenous communities across the country and people need information to help them manage in this ever-changing environment. With the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, people have renewed hope but understandably also have questions on how a vaccine will impact them and their families.
 
To help you answer some of these questions, Indigenous Services Canada has prepared a toolkit that contains a variety of communication resources and information for you to share with your community. Each community is unique in the way it shares information with its members. This toolkit can serve as a guide to create messages tailored to your community.
 
This is the first version of the communications toolkit, please look for updated versions in the coming weeks as the situation continues to evolve. 

Download the Communications Toolkit here: English and French
What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine for Canada


Working to bring Canadians a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread and reduce the impact of infectious diseases, whether it's seasonal flu or childhood infections. A safe and effective vaccine(s) for COVID-19 will protect us against the novel coronavirus and will be an important step to safely resume normal life in Canada and around the world. The Government of Canada is working on all possible fronts to secure access to safe and effective vaccines and related supplies for Canadians. Here is what Canadians need to know about a future COVID-19 vaccine.

Download the full PDF about what you need to know about the vaccine here.
FNHMA Pandemic Planning Tool Free Download
Canada's COVID-19 App
COVID-19 App Update Available!

The Canada COVID-19 app has an update available. If you don’t have auto-updates enabled on your device, remember to update your app manually!

Get the app today.

Community Resources
We're Hiring! Director Of Programs - DEADLINE TODAY!
Director of Programs, FNHMA

***The DEADLINE is TODAY @5pm EST!!!***

Are you passionate about increasing health leadership capacity in First Nations communities?

Are you passionate about making a difference?

Then we'd love for you to join our family!

The Role:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Programs, FNHMA has the overall responsibility for the design and delivery of the programs and services offered to FNHMA members.

To learn more about the opportunity, click here.
Tax Tips! Simplified Tax Forms And New Indigenous-Specific Tax Webpage From The CRA
Established Recently, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) launched a new webpage specifically about taxes and benefits for Indigenous peoples.

On the new webpage, you will find information about getting benefits and credits, getting help to complete your tax return, and COVID-19 related benefit information.
 
Additionally, if you are a First Nations individual, you may be able to file your taxes using a simplified paper tax and benefit return form. While these forms are not available digitally, the CRA has begun distributing simplified forms to First Nations across the country. 

You can see if this option is available to you by contacting your band council office. 

To learn more, click here.
Information Session About COVID-19 Vaccination And Public Health Measures
As Canada ramps up our COVID-19 immunization response with increased access to COVID-19 vaccine supply over the spring, there is a need, more than ever, for reliable information on these vaccines and the vaccination plans.
 
We would like to invite you to an information session about COVID-19 vaccination and public health measures with:

Dr. Howard Njoo, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Public Health Agency of Canada.

When: April 16, 2021 at 2 pm - 3 pm. EDT

This session will include a brief presentation and an opportunity to ask questions.
 
This session is organized in an effort to respond to the need of health professionals and key health partners to have credible information on COVID-19 vaccines and continued public health measures. The intention is to help equip you as leaders in your organizations and communities to share reliable information with your networks, in recognizing the important role you all play in your communities.
 
 
If you have questions that can inform the Question and Answer period for the event, we ask that they be submitted by Thursday, April 8th 12:00 PM (EDT) to: 


with the subject line: PHAC info session- health- April 16-question.
Moderna Presents: Important Information For Healthcare Providers About COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna
Moderna Presents: Important Information for Healthcare Providers about COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna

Join Moderna for a webinar to learn about COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna, which has been authorized for use under an interim order in Canada.

There will be a live Q&A with the presenter following the presentation.

Please register at the link below.


WEBINAR - Inequities Laid Bare: Responding To Challenges Of COVID-19 And Beyond
Date: April 14, 2021

Time: 8:10 AM – 9:00 AM EST

A side event of the 64th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction (CCSA) has partnered with Health Canada, the Community Addictions Peer Support Association, the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, the HIV Legal Network, the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, and the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation to present the panel, Inequities Laid Bare: Responding to Challenges of COVID-19 and Beyond

The panel will explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing inequities and negatively affected marginalized populations, and how we can lessen these effects in the future.

COVID-19 Vaccines And Indigenous Peoples
The Government of Canada is working to secure safe and effective vaccines to prevent COVID-19. This is key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and resuming normal life.

This page has resources COVID-19 vaccines from various sources around the country.

To learn more and access the page, click here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation And Fraud
It's understandable that some inaccurate information has been circulating to certain communities about the vaccine that includes false and distorted information about potential side effects. 

The spread of misinformation can have real consequences and can distort people's behaviours and decision-making. 
 
It is important that everyone obtain information from trusted sources. That includes federal, provincial and territorial health authorities, community health centres, nursing stations or local healthcare providers. The federal government encourages people to consider the source of information before spreading or sharing articles or facts.

Vaccination is a choice. Vaccines used in Canada must be approved by Health Canada and the COVID-19 vaccine is held to the same safety standards as other vaccines to make sure it is safe and effective.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, click here.
 
For information on COVID-19 Fraud and Scams, click here.
COVID-19 Vaccines: Get The Facts
COVID-19 Vaccines - Get the facts
 
Have a question like:

"Once I receive both doses of the vaccine, can I stop wearing a mask and expand my social circle?"

FACT: Even after being vaccinated, everyone must continue to follow public health measures, including minimizing in-person interactions with people from outside your immediate household, avoiding crowded places, wearing a mask, and washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.

Download Our Social Media Policy Template
Social Media is a powerful force that brings people together; however, it can also be used improperly by employees.

There are potential risks in the health field where confidential client information may be compromised. Especially as we continue to navigate our way through COVID-19, having a policy in place helps alleviate some stress.

We can help. Use our sample Social Media Policy Template to develop the perfect policy for your own organization.

Accessing Additional Funding
Federal Funding Available For Vaccine Confidence Initiatives
A number of federal departments have recently launched funding opportunities for vaccine confidence-focused initiatives in Canada. These opportunities will support a broad range of research, communications and interventions initiatives, and may be of interest to you and your organization. These funding opportunities complement funding available through the Immunization Partnership Fund, which recently closed its call for letters of intent.

Vaccine Community Innovation Challenge (VCIC) – Public Health Agency of Canada

  • Brief description: The VCIC encourages individuals and/or groups across Canada to help promote vaccine confidence in their communities. Twenty finalists will each receive $25,000 to create and implement a creative and innovative communications campaign over twelve weeks in Summer 2021. At the end of the campaign, one winner will receive a grand prize of $100,000.

  • Proposal deadline: April 9, 2021 (DEADLINE TODAY!)

 
Emerging COVID-19 Research Gaps and Priorities Funding Opportunity (Operating grant) – Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

  • Brief description: CIHR is funding research on a number of priority sub-topics, including on the “drivers of vaccine hesitancy and approaches to improve vaccine confidence”. The funding is meant to (i) accelerate the availability and use of high-quality evidence and/or solutions to support Canada’s pandemic response; and (ii) generate evidence related to diverse populations.

  • Deadline: March 15, 2021 (letter of intent); April 15, 2021 (full application)

Indigenous Services Canada - New Financial Support
Indigenous Services Canada has a list of financial supports for:

  • Indigenous individuals
  • Indigenous students
  • Indigenous organizations and communities
  • Indigenous businesses

First Nations Webinars
A number of Partner and National Indigenous Organizations are and have been producing webinars in order to continue supporting First Nations in a changing landscape.

To view more please follow the links below and be directed to that organization's webinar page.

Supports & Regularly Updated Resources
The following organizations have resources to combat COVID-19. These resources are regularly updated and are available to view at any time.

Please click below to be directed to more information.
Indigenous Health Today houses many different resources and provides recent news updates via email.

Please subscribe to their health brief as a valued FNHMA Partner.

Click the link to subscribe today!


Please note that service hours for InfoPoint have been updated.

InfoPoint will now be available from 9am until 5pm EDT, Monday to Friday.

Previous Health Bulletins
If you missed or would like to see any of our weekly health bulletins, we have included a link to all of our previous volumes.

Click Here to see all previous Health and Wellness Bulletins.

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