#BreakTheChain Issue No. 2 Apr. 02 2020
COVID-19 Information for First Nations Community Mental Wellness and COVID-19
This is the second in a weekly series, prepared as a free informational tool by Bimaadzwin Inc. Updated as of April 2nd, 2020
(Bloomberg via NewScientist)
What is COVID-19 – and the ongoing outbreak.. Stay Home and Save Lives – the importance of social distancing First Nations reaction to COVID-19 Staying well while isolating – mental health and COVID-19
In this Issue…
Cleaning for COVID-19 Community Communication during a Pandemic Help! I’ve got the kids at home! Impacts of COVID-19 on your wallet Staying safe at the store Talk to someone
COVID-19 is the disease associated to the novel coronavirus that was discovered in late 2019. On March 11th, 2020 – the World Health Organization assessed the COVID-19 outbreak as a global health pandemic.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that impacts the lungs – and can be spread from person-to-person through droplets that leave an infected person when they cough or sneeze – and can stay alive on surfaces for an extended period of time. This is why it is critical to stay at least 2m (6ft) away from others, and to regularly wash your hands and disinfect surfaces that people often touch. COVID-19 is a serious health threat – and the risk to Canadians is now considered high. The risk is different between and within communities, but there is an increasing number of cases in Canada. There is already a significant impact on our healthcare system – if we do not flatten the epidemic curve now, the increase of COVID-19 cases could impact the resources available to Canadians.
Ongoing COVID-19 Outbreak
There have been over 825,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world, with over 40,000 deaths. In Canada, there are currently 9,613 confirmed cases– with 96 deaths across the country (April 2). Cases: 04.01.2020
Regions across Canada are enforcing strict ‘social distancing’ regulations – to encourage everyone to stay at home as much as possible. Anyone returning to Canada from abroad, or travelling between provinces must isolate at home for 14-days – they cannot go to a grocery store, or out for a walk, and must have other deliver necessities to their home. All non-essential businesses are closed for the foreseeable future, and schools across the country appear to be closed for the rest of this school year – however, students are still expected to graduate. Everyone is encouraged to stay home. This is a challenging time for everyone. If you need to talk to someone – the Hope for Wellness Helpline (1-855-242-3310) is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is also available for those 5-29 years old.
Stay Home – Save Lives
It is possible that someone infected – whether they’re showing symptoms or not – is able to pass the virus onto any number of other people. This is why ‘social distancing’ is being put in place. By staying at home, we slow down how many people come into contact with COVID-19 – and slow down the number of people needing hospital treatment at the same time. Gatherings of more than five people have been banned – with the exclusion of families of more than five who live in the same house. People are encouraged to just stay at home – but this doesn’t mean staying isolated! Try using a video-connection app like Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime to connect with loved ones that are staying at their own house! Check out the countless movies, concerts, and live discussions that are being streamed online on apps like Facebook and Instagram. This is also an excellent time to turn those electronics off, and to spend time as a family – sharing stories, learning to cook, or figuring out who is the best at the family’s favourite board game!
However, not everyone has the means of being connected – make sure to call, or to reach out to those you love to see how they’re doing – but do it at a safe distance!
Public Health Officials say that the best strategy we have to fight the spread of COVID-19 is to stay at home, and to #BreaktheChain of transmission.
Increased Social Distancing Measures
In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, governments around the world have put in place unprecedented restrictions – including travel restrictions, school closures, and event cancellations – all things that have quickly become the new normal. Ontario has closed all outdoor recreational facilities (excluding trails for walking – at a safe distance for others), and ignoring these regulations has steep consequences – up to one year in prison, and a fine of up to $100,000. Those who have travelled recently are required to stay at home in isolation for at least 14 days – and anyone experiencing symptoms are asked to reach out to their local health authority by telephone.
First Nations across Canada are reacting quickly and aggressively to fight the spread of COVID-19 – and in many cases, to stop the spread of the virus before it enters their community.
First Nations Reaction to COVID-19
The Federal Government has set aside 305-million dollars to help communities fight COVID-19, prepare their communities for a possible spread and order additional medical supplies, and assist nations in providing ongoing services throughout this time – including mental health care. However, some communities still feel unprotected from the outbreak, and are understandably concerned that the health care services that exist will not be able to cope with any spread of COVID-19 within their community. Many communities have declared States of Emergency – and are encouraging people to refrain from visiting the community, setting up checkpoints at entrances.
Staying Home – Staying Well
There is so much uncertainty around what is going on in the world around COVID-19 that some people are understandably feeling anxious. There are a number of things that can cause stress – job uncertainty, caring for those family members who are vulnerable to COVID-19, and the quick change in our routines are just a few examples – how can we stay calm and care for ourselves? Take the time to practice self-care, and take the time to focus on things that you can control. Limit your social media use – especially if you’re at home, with more time to spend on them. Read only reliable news sources – with so many unknowns, and so much information being shared, it’s important to trust what you’re reading – inaccurate news could cause more panic and concern. And, reach out to your family members, friends, Elders, community members, and co-workers – it’s an odd time for everyone, and they’ll surely appreciate the call!
There is still a lot that is not known about COVID-19 – including how long the virus lives on surfaces outside the body – however, early evidence suggests that the virus can live on objects and surfaces anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Cleaning for COVID-19
However, what is known about COVID-19 and other coronaviruses – is that it is one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product. Using soap – or an alcohol based hand sanitizer to regularly clean your hands; and cleaning often-touched surfaces regularly is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19. Although they may not claim to kill COVID-19 – cleaners can play a role in limiting the spread of microorganisms. Often-touched surfaces might include:
Toys Toilets Phones Electronics Door handles Bedside tables Drawer handles Television remotes
While social distancing – it is important to find a way to communicate with other members of your community about what is going on, and calling everyone is not the most efficient system. Some communities have implemented a flag-based communications system to let people know the status of those that live inside a particular house – and if there is anything that they might need.
Community Communication
Some First Nations have implemented this system – check out the one used by Garden River First Nation, outside of Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario.
White – Everything is OK Blue – Need Water Yellow – Sick / or Self-Isolating Red – Infected with COVID-19 Green – Need Food
Other colours might exist in your community – but if no system is in place, this is something to consider!
With schools likely cancelled through until next school year – a lot of parents are feeling the stress of suddenly having their kids home for summer vacation a couple of months early. There are lots of resources being put together by school boards and other groups to help you find educational activities to help pass the time constructively – so here are some thoughts on keeping everyone at home calm and happy over the coming weeks.
Help! I’ve got the kids at home!
Find some time to just chill, exercise, sleep, unplug, discover new recipes, play some family games, have virtual get-togethers, and maybe even a family dance party! Leave your children some time to explore and create things on their own – and don’t focus too much on the school work they might be missing. Learning about plants in their backyard – or how to cook a traditional meal – is just as valuable! It’s not always easy. Communicate with your loved ones, and be expressive while together.. Tailor your response to your children’s age, especially when dealing with new and stressful situations at home. Use the time to find positivity, and to encourage collaborative problem solving – have a family brainstorming session to find ideas on how to handle the situation. Tip: Nelson Textbooks (sciences, maths, social sciences) have put some of their Ontario textbooks online for free for parents to help their kids while schools are off. Their website is passwordprotected, but these usernames and passwords should get you access until July, 2020! Grades 4-8 – Username: ontario48 – Password: NelsonON123 Grades 9-12 – Username: on912 – Password: NelsonON123
This recent pandemic has a lot of people asking questions about their personal financial situation – and wondering what, if anything, they should be doing about it.
Impacts of COVID-19 on your Wallet
The COVID-19 crisis is a good time to review your financial plan, and your budget. If you don’t already have a plan, now is a good time to start developing one. What you want to be looking for here is those expenses that are not really essential that might help you access some additional funds. This is also a good time to review your debts, and make a list of who you owe to. Remember – basic necessities first, so reach out to people if you might miss a payment – they will want to work with you. The Government of Canada has announced a large financial package to help us all through this time – check out the government’s website to see which programs you might be able to access. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-responseplan.html
With provinces across the country closing non-essential businesses and encouraging all Canadians to stay-at-home to slow the spread of COVID-19 – and to only go out for groceries and other essentials – some are asking how can they keep themselves safe while at the grocery store?
Staying Safe at the Store
Plan ahead – don’t wait until everything is empty before you go shopping, this allows you some flexibility if the store is running low. Go to the store with a clear list – now isn’t the time to laze through the aisles and see what looks interesting, prioritize healthy and heaty options. Bring your own wipes – don’t count on the store’s supply, and wipe your carts which are common areas for bacteria and viruses. Try ‘contactless’ shopping – some stores in urban areas now have an option where a staff person picks your groceries and either delivers it to your truck, or to your front door. Most chains across Canada have wiped the cost for this service, so it is an excellent time to try!
If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed by what is going on – there are people who are sitting ready to talk with you. It’s always ok to reach out to talk when things aren’t going right – and we encourage you to use these services if you feel like you might need them!
Talk to Someone
Hope for Wellness Helpline – available to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent Help Line counsellors can help if you want to talk, or are feeling distressed – telephone and online services are available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut – 1-855-242-3310 Crisis Services Canada – 1-833-456-4566 Kids Help Phone – available to young Canadians (5-29) who are seeking 24-hour confidential and anonymous care with professional counsellors – 1-800-668-6868
ď‚– Health Canada is the best source of information on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Their website has up-to-date information on the current cases, government response, and how to best protect yourself.
Stay Informed
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/service s/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.ht ml ď‚– Health Canada has also developed an app that includes updates, protection measures, and a self-assessment tool. Download their app from the iOS or Android App Stores.
Miigwetch This information has been brought to you as a free public service by:
The content of this presentation is for informational purposes only. Those who may have come into contact with COVID-19, or who have symptoms must self-isolate and call their health authority. This presentation was developed to assist First Nation citizens and governments in understanding and responding to the growing crisis. Information contained in this presentation is accurate as of April 2nd, 2020.