HAIDA NATION SUPPORTS LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTRES (EOC) COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

January 7, 2022

HAIDA NATION SUPPORTS LOCAL EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTRES (EOC) COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

The Haida Nation supports the local EOCs throughout Haida Gwaii and the measures they are taking to protect our Haida and Island citizens during this COVID-19 pandemic. It has been nearly two years since COVID-19 has spread far and wide and it has been confirmed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has reached Haida Gwaii and other Northern First Nations communities.

Though this variant is a milder form of the virus, it appears to infect people more easily and spread more quickly than previous variants. The vaccination rates have been high on Haida Gwaii however many individuals are still vulnerable to severe illness from Omicron even when vaccinated. This includes Elders and those with pre-existing medical conditions. It is important to follow all public health recommendations to reduce the risk to community as much as possible.

What you can do to keep yourself and others safe:

• Get fully vaccinated – Being fully vaccinated reduces the chances of infection, serious illness and spread for you and the rest of your community.
• Wear masks – Masks are mandatory inside all community and public spaces, three-layer masks worn over the mouth and nose.
• Follow proper hand hygiene and disinfection – Wash hands often, clean and disinfect your home and frequently-touched areas and devices often.
• Limit gatherings, events and practice physical distancing – It is important to stay in your bubble/household, limit visiting other communities unless essential, avoid non-essential gatherings and events outside of your bubble/household, maintain physical distancing of 2m/6ft from others where possible. You are less likely to be exposed to COVID-19 at services with guidelines in place.
• If you are feeling unwell, stay home – To ensure the safety of others, isolate and follow the guidance of staying home for 10 days if you are vaccinated or 14 days if you are unvaccinated. Your family, household, and close contacts should also self-isolate and/or monitor closely for symptoms for 14 days.
• Be kind – There are some community members who are ill at home, let’s provide them with a circle of care and support.
• Stay updated – Follow your local EOC on up-to-date recommendations.

Due to the increase of cases of COVID-19 it may take longer to get tested or to receive test results, as well as receive regular updates from Northern Health due to capacity. Please stay isolated and follow self-isolation steps. At-home tests are not as reliable as lab confirmed tests and self-reporting of a positive test is beneficial to you and your community.

It is important to remain calm and take care, we are encouraging all of you to focus on doubling down on the recommended public health measures. We understand the concern and anxiety during this time but also recognize it is a time to stay vigilant to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

The virus moves wherever people move. We all share a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families and each other. Follow these guidelines even after you’re vaccinated.

DOWNLOADABLE PDF
20220107 CHN Support Statement for EOCs