Covid-19 Daily News Digest – September 23, 2020
Interior Health called out for lack of proper notification of confirmed COVID-19 cases involving First Nations
“We request that IHA and FNHA provide an interim solution for a culturally appropriate contact tracing that would involve our community members in facilitating contact tracing, this would expedite contact tracing with the goal of mitigating and managing community health and safety.,” the release stated.
Chief Wilson added mechanisms are needed between the province and First Nations in order to achieve real-time notification of cases, contact tracing, community notice, testing capacity and processes.
‘Our communities are in a critical situation,’ Mamakwa on COVID-19
“Infectious diseases are especially devastating for First Nation communities. The government tells people to wash their hands, but it’s hard to do without clean running water. The government tells people to self-isolate, but how do you do that when there are 10 or 12 people living in the home?”
https://www.drydennow.com/local/our-communities-are-in-a-critical-situation-mamakwa-on-covid-19
COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know this week
There are currently 120 active cases of COVID-19 on First Nations reserves across Canada, according to data from Indigenous Services Canada.
New cases since last week were primarily reported in Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. One death was reported, bringing the total of deaths on-reserve from COVID-19 to 10.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.5734114
In American Indian communities, questions about COVID-19 test access remain
While testing capacity and availability of personal protective equipment have improved in Native American communities, health care providers said they were still working to draw out state data about COVID-19 tests.
Across the country, the availability of data around the demographics of who tests positive for COVID-19 and who can access a test is inconsistent. Not all states require the reporting of a person’s demographic information and tribes can decide if they want to share their COVID-19 data.
Series looks at how Native American communities are responding to COVID-19
“Indigenous Impacts,” a new special report from Forum News Service, aims to shine a light on these unique issues and the resilient people meeting them head-on. This groundbreaking series was developed over the course of four months and includes the work of more than a dozen contributors from Native American communities in a four-state region.
See the entire project on our website by visiting Indigenous Impacts under the Special Interests section of the homepage’s navigation bar. There, readers will find original reporting alongside the voices of Native American writers and artists. These personal essays will tell of struggle, of resolve and of hope in the age of COVID-19.
How COVID-19 worsens Canada’s digital divide
According to the CRTC, nearly 86 per cent of households overall have that level of service currently, but in rural areas only 40 per cent do. In First Nation communities, it’s estimated that just 30 per cent of households have internet connections with the recommended speed. And even while the connections in remote areas are often slower, the service tends to be more expensive.
We looked at every confirmed COVID-19 case in Canada. Here’s what we found
The fall return to school has health officials bracing for a rise in exposures and new infections, particularly among young people.
The data shows that, while cases among 20-somethings rise, the youngest cohort, age 19 or younger, is also making up an increasing share of Canada’s overall cases and by early September had overtaken people in their 70s.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/public-health-agency-of-canada-covid-19-statistics-1.5733069
Vigil for murdered and missing Indigenous women to feature personal stories on video
“When we tell our stories, people that listen become part of that story and they bear witness to that story,” Green told CBC’s Terri Trembath. “So whether that’s in person, like we’re doing in sharing circles or through digital storytelling, I think it’s a powerful way to share the message more broadly.” “I think it’s a great platform to share broadly,” she said. “I do think also, though, that there’s power in the walking and the unity of the women drumming and singing and walking to honour the loved ones. I think that’s a personal choice. I think there’s some of us that have to do that, you know, for our own healing, and know some, of course, that can’t.”
The videos will be posted to the Awo Taan Facebook page on Oct. 4, starting at 11 a.m., followed by live-streamed panel discussions. The Calgary Tower will be lit in red on that day to honour the murdered and missing.