First Nations keeping coronavirus in check
Top doctor credits success to lockdowns, closing communities to outside visitors
The number of COVID-19 cases in First Nations communities in B.C. has been low compared with the general population in the province, health officials noted on Friday.
Dr. Shannon Mcdonald, acting chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority, said that since Jan. 1 there have been 87 cases of COVID-19 confirmed through 5,500 tests of Indigenous people. Of those, 42 live on or near reserves. There have been four deaths in the Indigenous communities. There are currently just three active cases.
Mcdonald credits the low rate of transmission to early measures taken by First Nations, which included lockdowns, cancelling gatherings and closing the communities to outside visitors except for essential services.
Food security, isolation and mental health issues such as depression, loneliness and anxiety are ongoing challenges in these communities, she said at a news conference on Friday.
Many First Nations leaders cancelled important ceremonies, which she said are central to their culture and way of life.
“The sacrifices made — and some of them have been very difficult and painful — have paid off. The worst that many anticipated and feared did not happen,” said Mcdonald, quickly adding that the pandemic is not over. She urged all people to be cautious when travelling to First Nations communities.
Physical distancing protocols, handwashing and continuing to not gather in large groups will be very important, said Mcdonald.
“The curve is flattened, but it hasn’t flatlined,” said Mcdonald. “Some communities will choose not to welcome guests this summer . ... They can make those choices.”
She said the low rate of transmission is a testament to how well Indigenous leaders and the First Nations Health Authority worked together.
Culturally, the communities are aware of the need to protect their elders, the keepers of history and language, she said. Many are concerned about opening up to visitors, who may bring the virus.
On Wednesday, a joint statement from Indigenous leaders in B.C. indicated they weren’t consulted about B.C.’S plans to move to Phase 3.
The Heiltsuk, Tsilhqot’in and Nuu-chah-nulth said B.C.’S failure to consult on reopening and to provide adequate COVID-19 safety measures is putting Indigenous lives at risk.
They want screening of non-residents to ensure travellers aren’t infected with the virus, and rapid testing based on provincial health guidelines and prioritizing Indigenous and remote communities.
Judith Sayers, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council in Port Alberni, said for them it’s people before economics, while Chief Joe Alphonse, chairman of the Tsilhqot’in National Government, said they’ll restrict visitors because their priority is to protect the elders.
The three First Nations groups have all enacted various travel advisories, bans and checkpoints during the pandemic, and the Nuu-chah-nulth have announced plans to restrict entry to most of Vancouver Island’s west coast until COVID -19 safety conditions are met.
In response, Mcdonald said the decision to go ahead with Phase 3 of reopening the economy was a decision that was made “very carefully,” but she’s concerned about outbreaks in some communities.
“This is no time to lower our guard, even as the province transitions and begins to reopen to allow the gradual reopening of schools and businesses and travel,” said Mcdonald.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said funding is available to purchase testing equipment so health officials can ensure rapid testing is available in remote First Nations communities.
As the economy reopens, Mcdonald would like to see more screening, including taking visitors’ temperatures.
Expanded testing will help ensure no clusters or outbreaks are missed, especially in remote communities.
Henry, meanwhile, is asking all British Columbians travelling around the province this summer to know where they’re going, and to check whether they’re destination is welcoming visitors.