Need to contact the Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Coordination Team?

Or have a question about COVID-19?  Please email: covid19@fnhssm.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MANITOBA FIRST NATIONS ON COVID-19

(Novel Coronavirus)

Key Messages for First Nations Communities

  • Wash your hands very often and thoroughly

  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth

  • For the time being, practice social distancing (2 meters away from others) and avoid touching others

  • Clean and disinfect common surfaces, washrooms, taps, door handles, etc.

  • Try to eat as healthy possible and get good rest

  • If you are feeling cold/flu symptoms, stay home and call your local health care provider or health authority (do not show up at a health clinic and put others health at risk)

  • Consider closing public buildings and areas within community- only keep essential services that are required

  • Update and complete community pandemic planning and inform community so everyone can work on it together.

  • Check on your elders and those who live alone to see if they need any support (grocery shopping, medication fill, etc.)

  • Above all, remain calm, being informed and prepared will help slow the spread and not overburden the health care system so it can properly handle those who get sick and need help the most. 

  • Feeling symptoms? Use the ONLINE SCREENING TOOL to see if you should proceed to the next step. Contact your local Health Care Provider or follow processes provided to you.

FIRST NATION COMMUNICATION TIPS:

Use messages above and resources below to share with your community:

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*Utilize Community Radio - Read messages, Fact Sheets and MB Gov Updates and Canada Updates on COVID-19

*Have Elders Speak on Radio about listening to these messages, have them share stories and knowledge to encourage and help people as they stay at home

*Ask Youth Role Models to talk about messages on Radio, Instagram, Snapchat

*Have printed information packages dropped of at home doors

*Share Mental Health Resource Information to access online and by phone

*Provide opportunities for people to have a line of communication- a phone number, email dedicated to answering COVID-19-related calls and questions.

Find the Latest Information Here:

COVID-19 Funding Resources, Information and Links for MB First Nations

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 18, 2020, the Government of Canada announced the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. This plan includes $305 million for a new, distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. This funding will also provide support to regional, urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations.

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These new funds will flow directly to Indigenous communities and groups across the country and will provide Indigenous leadership with the flexibility needed as they prepare for and react to the spread of COVID-19. These funds could be used for measures including, but not limited to:

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  • support for Elders and vulnerable community members

  • measures to address food insecurity

  • educational and other support for children

  • mental health assistance and emergency response services

  • preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19

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As shown in the map, the Indigenous Community Support Fund will be distributed as follows:

  • $215 million for First Nations: allocated to each First Nation based on population, remoteness and community well-being

  • $45 million for Inuit, which will flow to each of the four land claims organizations through an allocation determined by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and regional Inuit land claims organizations

  • $30 million for Métis Nation communities, which will flow through each of the Governing Members

  • $15 million for regional and urban Indigenous organizations supporting their members living away from their communities, and to regional organizations such as Friendship Centres and the Métis Settlements General Council of Alberta

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Regionally:

Manitoba First Nations will receive $35,974,000

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Reduce the spread of COVID-19 – Wash your hands

Step 1: Wet hands with warm water.

Step 2: Apply soap.

Step 3: Wash hands for at least 20 seconds (including your palms, back of each hand, between fingers, thumbs and under nails).

Step 4: Rinse well.

Step 5: Dry hands well with paper towel.

Step 6: Turn off tap using paper towel.