A Message from the Shuswap Health Team
November 30, 2020
On Nov 19, 2020 Dr. Bonnie Henry our Medical Health Officer issued new restrictions for the province of B.C. These are in effect until December 7, 2020.
The following restrictions can be read by clicking on the link below:
As a Health Team we understand how difficult these times are. However, we do ask that we all follow these guidelines to help keep our community a safe, and healthy one.
In addition to COVID, the common cold, and Influenza season are also among us. Having said that, we ask that all members are self-monitoring daily. Please stay home if you are sick.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the flu and common cold. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough or worsening of chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches
COVID Testing is available for those members who live in Shuswap Community.
If you have any of these symptoms, please contact Melissa (Community Health Nurse) at
(250) 688-9959 for further direction.
At this time, we will be postponing all community events. Stay tuned for rescheduled dates and time.
We hope everyone stays safe and healthy!
COVID -19 is not over!
September 21, 2020
Invermere has one confirmed positive case of COVID 19.
This has potentially affected 7 families within the Shuswap community. Chief and Council have decided to play it safe and close the administration office for the next two weeks and closely monitor the situation.
Everyone is asked to continue practicing physical distancing and frequent hand washing. Masks are strongly encouraged for people to wear while out in public.
COVID-19 symptoms are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Sore throat (it does not have to be both sides, it can be one side or the other)
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
If you experience any of the above symptoms you are asked to call # 250-341- 5651 and make an appointment to get tested for COVID-19 at the Invermere hospital IMMEDIATEY. You also will be asked to self isolate for 14 days. You can also call 811 at any time for medical advice.
Please call the Health Department if you have any questions/concerns or you fall ill. Jaclyn and Danielle are here to help and support the community through these challenging times.
Danielle Armstrong – #250-231-7805
FOOD BOX – Sept 24, 2020 will be curb side pick up. Please stay in your vehicle and the food box will be delivered to you by one of our staff. Please note we will not be allowing anyone in the band hall to help prevent the spread of COVID 19.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
September 16, 2020
All visitors to the Shuswap Indian Band will be seen by appointment only.
Please call: 250-341-3678
THANK YOU for helping us keep our office safe!
Resources
Membership Support Fund RE: COVID-19: https://www.shuswapband.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-Membership-Assistance-Policy-Form_Final-Version.pdf
Self-Assessment Tool: https://www.thrive.health/covid19
Self Monitoring, Self-Isolation and Isolation Information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/self-monitoring-self-isolation-isolation-for-covid-19.html
Resources & Statements Related to Breastfeeding: https://www.shuswapband.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Safely-fed-Canada-breastfeeding-COVID-19-Resources-Mar-14-2020-.pdf
Emergency Contact Phone Numbers
FIRE- Non- Emergency- # 250-342-3200
Emergency – 911
POLICE – Non-Emergency –# 250-342-9292
Emergency – 911
MEDICAL
Invermere Medical Centre – # 250-342-9206
Chisel Peak Clinic- # 250-341-6901
COVID -19 Concerns – Call #1-888-268-4319
Text- #604-630-0300
BC Health Line – 811
CORIX- 24-hour line #1-855-244-7808
Regional District of East Kootenays 24/7 Emergency Line (Fire, Flood, etc.) – #250-489-9677
Kids Help Phone is:
TEXT: 686868 (24/7) anywhere in Canada
PHONE: 1-800-668-6868
LIVE CHAT: kidshelpphone.ca (temporarily reduced hours from midnight to 7am, so they can accommodate the increase in calls and text)
Women’s Crisis Line –1-888-353-2273
Mental Health Crisis Line – 310-6789
Suicide Line- 1-800-784-2433
You are not alone…help is a call away!
ATTENTION: NOTICE OF OFFICE CLOSURE DUE TO COVID-19
March 20, 2020
Members of the Shuswap Indian Band
Greetings members of the Shuswap Indian Band,
This notice is to make you aware of the additional steps that are being taken by the Shuswap Indian Band leadership and operations to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our members, employees, associates and guests.
Measures taken to date include:
- All employee and leadership travel has been cancelled.
- All work-related meetings, gatherings, and events are to be cancelled or postponed unless the option is there to attend via teleconference or videoconference.
- Employees returning from out of the country have been directed to self-isolate for two weeks and work from home.
- Chief and Council have been participating in direct teleconference updates from the Federal and Provincial Governments as well as the regional emergency measures office.
- Chief and Council and Senior Management have prepared an emergency response plan that includes priority of essential/critical services.
- Visitors are restricted from entering the administration building.
- Staff have been directed to work remotely (from home). Given that our employee’s health, safety and well-being is a priority, we recognize that we need to provide our employees with alternative working arrangements to accommodate the need for self-isolation, childcare needs due to school closures and to minimize the potential spread of infection of the COVID-19 virus. We all have an important part to play if we are to stop this virus from spreading.
- All staff are required to respond to calls and emails to ensure we remain available. The main office number to call for general information is: 250-341-3678 or email: ea@shuswapband.ca
- Priority is given to ensure that the critical/essential services continue. This includes the elderly and those who are at a higher level of health risk.
What does all this mean for Shuswap Band Members?
We are still available to answer your questions and assist where we can. Although the way in which we serve our members has changed somewhat due to COVID-19, we are still connected with all of our staff and will do our best to meet your needs during this time.
The Director of Health, Danielle Armstrong is on-call for emergency purposes and can be reached on her cell at: 250-231-7805. The Shuswap Indian Band website has the contact emails for each staff member.
Our Mental Health Counsellor, Lori Stolson will be available for telephone sessions should you need emotional support. She can be reached at: 250-432-9137.
We shall also be updating the website on information pertaining to COVID-19 but we highly recommend that you visit trusted websites such as:
First Nations Health Authority website: www.fnha.ca
Health Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
How do I protect myself and my family?
We are reminding everyone to take the following measures, which can also protect against other respiratory illnesses such as influenza:
- Frequent and thorough handwashing
- Cover your mouth wish a tissue when coughing or sneezing. As a last measure, sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow
- Stay home when sick
- Practice safe/social distancing
With your help we do our very best to keep one another safe. On behalf of Council we send our very best to you and your families during this challenging time.
Kukwstsétsemc (Thank you)
Chief Barb Cote