Communication is the first priority for Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s COVID-19 response team.
The group of medical and field experts will make a formal system to make sure First Nation communities get up-to-date information on the pandemic. The five-person team will streamline communication between the provincial and federal governments, NAN, its member communities, health authorities, and Tribal Councils.
The team includes Dr. Jane Philpott, NAN’s Special Advisor on Health. It’s chaired by Dr. Natalie Bocking, Public Health and Preventative Medicine Specialist. The other members are family physician Dr. Michael Kirlew, Lynne Innes, Nurse Practitioner, CEO & President of Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, Mae Katt, Nurse Practitioner, and Michelle Gervais, Emergency Management Response Specialist.
NAN says this is a rapidly-changing situation and more experts will be added to the team.
There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging you to self-isolate for 14 days if you have been out of the country. Authorities are also urging you to get your news on COVID-19 from credible news sources and that the Health Unit will be confirming any cases which show up in the district.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has implemented restrictions as well. Only one person is allowed to visit any patient at any time and that person must be designated by the patient. Everyone entering the hospital is being screened. There is also an assessment centre set up just outside the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Screening protocols are also taking place at all city-run and private long term care facilities.
Public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay will be closed until at least April 5th. Confederation College and Lakehead University have suspended classes this week in order to formulate an online learning plan for students.
