Effective: June 15, 2022 at 9:00 am

Tansi!

After several weeks of no new COVID cases, our numbers are starting to slowly creep back up. We must continue to take steps to protect each other and our community as the pandemic is still not over. In fact, it is anticipated that there will be another surge in the fall so we need to continue to be pro-active.

Like other vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines wear off over time so boosters are needed. While two doses provide some protection against severe illness, they are no longer sufficient for Omicron and its latest sub-variants. Therefore, 3rd and 4th boosters are necessary to provide ongoing protection. If you have not had a booster and test positive you may qualify for COVID IV or medication treatments.

Vaccination, Testing, Masking and Isolating when sick remain our best tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The OIC requirements in effect since March 18th will remain in effect and we encourage everyone to get their boosters now. Don’t wait.

CALL PUBLIC HEALTH WITH ANY QUESTIONS:
204-484-2341 Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30 and 204-679-0279 Monday to Friday 4:30 to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00.

Vaccination Updates

  • Anyone aged 12 and older who received their second dose a minimum of 4 months ago are now strongly encouraged to get their 3rd dose;
  • Anyone over the age of 30 who received their third dose a minimum of 4 months ago should now get their 4th dose;
  • There is no age limit for residents of the PCH/EPH congregate living sites;
  • Persons age 18 to 49 who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may also be eligible for 3rd and 4th doses;
  • Children ages 5 to 11 are not yet eligible for a booster but can still get their first two shots 21 days apart (Pfizer is recommended)

PLEASE GET VACCINATED IF YOU HAVEN’T YET AND PLEASE GET BOOSTED IF YOU ONLY HAVE TWO DOSES. WE NEED TO BE PREPARED.

Testing and Travel

  • All persons (vaccinated, unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, residents/non-residents) can enter and exit from NCN Lands but must continue to provide the FNSOs at the checkstop with proof of a negative test taken within 48 hours of entry to the community.
  • Persons who travel out of the community and test positive will be required to isolate at home or at an isolation unit as directed by public health.
  • Anyone leaving the community for more than 48 hours can obtain rapid tests from Three Rivers Store, OT Gas, provincial testing sites or pharmacies.
  • Home tests are available from the Public Health department, the Nursing Station, the VLT Centre, OT Gas, Three Rivers Store and at many pharmacies and grocery stores throughout Manitoba so stock up and test regularly if you are in contact with groups of people.

Isolation Requirements for Positive Cases and Household/Close Contacts

  • Positive cases on rapid tests are to be reported to public health to identify the types of the virus circulating in our community and to determine if you qualify for COVID treatment.
  • All persons will still be required to isolate for 5 days from the first sign of symptoms or the day they were tested as long as symptoms are improving and there is no fever. They must then wear a medical grade mask when in public, avoid going to high risk settings for 10 days and self-monitor as long as they have no fever.
  • Anyone who tests positive MUST notify the people they have been in contact with.
  • PUBLIC HEALTH WILL CONTINUE TO MANAGE ISOLATION AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS.

Gathering/Visiting

  • All capacity limits and restrictions on visiting have been removed but everybody entering the community must provide proof of a test taken within 48 hours of entry to the community;
  • Event organizers must still have approved mitigation plans in place to prevent events from becoming superspreaders.

Businesses/Facilities/Schools/Construction Sites

  • All facilities, businesses, schools and construction sites will continue to operate in accordance with their mitigation plans which MUST be regularly updated.
    Masks
  • Masks will still be required in all retail businesses, home based businesses, NCN and NCN Entity offices and facilities including our schools and on construction sites.

COVID-19 cases will continue to be closely monitored and more public health measures could be re-introduced if necessary to protect community health and safety.

ENJOY THE SUMMER BUT BE CAREFUL AND TAKE THE NECESSARY PRE-CAUTIONS TO PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY AND OUR COMMUNITY.

Ekosani!