Ugpi’ganjig Health Centre Return to work Phase 2 update

/in , /by

July 28th, 2020

 

 

To:                        Community Members and Staff

From:                   The Ugpi’ganjig Health Centre

Subject:               Response measures COVID-19

 

 

Dear Community and Staff members;

 

One of our main priorities at Ugpi’ganjig First Nation and the Ugpi’ganjig Health Centre is to ensure all staff and community members have accurate and factual information regarding the COVID-19 virus that has continued to make its way worldwide causing a global pandemic.  On April 4th, 2020 Chief Sacha along with her fellow council members issued a local state of emergency in Eel River Bar and they, along with the recommendations of the pandemic response team, have been reassessing and extending it biweekly. The province had issued a state of emergency on March 19th, 2020 and has since been extended on a bi-weekly basis.

 

COVID-19 is a serious health threat, and the situation continues to evolve daily. The risk will vary between and within communities, but given the increasing number of cases in Canada, the risk to Canadians is still considered high. The risk to New Brunswickers is low at this time.  We need to be conscious that regardless of the number active cases, until there is a vaccination developed no one person is immune to the virus and it will continue to remain in our communities.

 

The province had issued a statement and, in a phase process, has lifted some restrictions.  We are currently in the YELLOW Phase which includes family and friends bubble, religious services, opening of swimming pools and water parks, outdoor gatherings of 50 or fewer with physical distancing, personal service businesses, etc. Keep in mind that we still need to practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene.  Should you have any questions regarding this phase please refer to the link provided:

 

https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/recovery.html

 

Community members are asked to continue being diligent in the fight against the COVID-19 virus, we ask that you keep up the great work self-isolating and practicing social distancing.  These measures have not been lifted and have proved to be effective in flattening the epidemic curve in New Brunswick.

Currently in New Brunswick, there has been a total of 170 COVID-19 cases, 3 active cases and 165 recovered cases, 0 hospitalized cases, 0 ICU cases and 2 COVID-19 related deaths.

We are asking that you continue to take the following steps to help flatten the epidemic curve:

  1. Wash your hands properly for 20 seconds, and frequently throughout the day
  2. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
  3. Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  4. Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow
  5. Practice social distancing (2 meters between yourself and others)
  6. Wear community face masks when possible, especially physical distancing cannot be maintained
  7. Stay home and self-isolate, reduce trips for supplies to once a week
  8. If you experience any symptoms, please contact your Community Health Nurse, or 8-1-1

Below is a link to the federal government website that is updated frequently with accurate, up to date information:

http://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html?utm_campaign=not-applicable&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_coronavirus

The Eel River Bar First Nation’s Chief, Council and Senior members of the Pandemic Response Team have reviewed and consulted with one another to determine the best and safest recovery plan for the community and staff moving forward. Collectively, we are working to ensure that there is a comprehensive COVID-19 return to work policy, COVID-19 Operational Plan, adequate sanitary supplies for all Band Buildings and personal protective equipment for all staff.

The following actions within the Ugpi’ganjig Health Centre will take effect July 28th, 2020:

 

  1. Health Centre: The health center will be open Monday – Friday regular hours.  However, the health center will be closed Monday August 3rd, 2020 for New Brunswick Day.
  2. Phase 2 Operations: There will be a transition period back to work, the health center staff will work (4) full work days, staff will be alternating on Mondays and Fridays.
  3. Access to Health Centre: There will be no flow through traffic within the health center. All clients coming in to the health center will be by APPOINTMENT ONLY until further notice.
  4. Essential Services: Home and Community Care Clients receiving personal care will remain on going.  All non-essential home and community care services are suspended until further notice.
  5. Meals on Wheels: will continue as usual.
  6. Medical Transportation: Medical forms will be available for pick up/drop off’s, please call 684-5002 to arrange a time.  Medical travel cheques will be available for pick up at the health center on Thursdays at 2 pm.
  7. All Program related activities will be done virtually.
  8. Fontaine’s Clinic will continue to be held every Friday from 9 am – 12 pm, with the exception of July 31st, 2020. There will be no clinic on July 31st, 2020.
  9. Water sampling will remain ongoing.
  10. Nursing Services: The Community Health Nurse is available by appointment for any essential services (Scheduled immunizations, monthly injections, etc.) Mary Lou LaBillois can be reached by telephone or by text message should you have any health-related questions or concerns @506-686-0667.
  11. ADAP Services: ADAP will continue to service their clients on an as need basis, via telephone, text or video messaging.  Please contact Nora LaBillois @ 506-987-1538, or Dwayne Ward @ 506-760-1126.
  12. Mental Health Services: Mental Health counselling services remain ongoing.  Should you require services, you can contact Glenda Wysote-LaBillois @506-686-0596, @506-684-3742 or you can contact Kevin St-Laurent @506-789-8884.

Criteria for testing in New Brunswick has changed.  At this time, anyone with one or more symptoms can be tested by contacting 8-1-1 or the Community Health Nurse.  Everyone should be monitoring for symptoms for the next 14 days.

If you start having symptoms isolate yourself from others as quickly as possible.  Immediately CALL your community health nurse or TELECARE-811.  Describe your symptoms and travel history.  They will provide advice on what you should do.  To report any Non-Compliance: call 1-844-462-8387 from 8:30 to 4:30 pm or email helpaide@gnb.ca

We would like to thank everyone for their patience and support during these unprecedented times.  Should you have any questions regarding this memo please contact Misty LaBillois 506-685-7047.

Sincerely,

 

Misty LaBillois
Director of Health