January 12, 2021

NOTICE TO COMMUNITY- Update on COVID-19 from Emergency Response Group

Our Emergency Response Group wants to remind the community of the protocols of our security checkpoints that are setup on Mission Road and what information is being taken. As recommended by our Group and approved by Chief and Council, the Security Checkpoint Officers have been instructed of the following procedure for all vehicles accessing the checkpoint:

  1. Health Assessment which includes asking individuals if they have COVID related symptoms.
  2. For contract tracing purposes, name and phone number of individuals in the vehicles. This is being done to not only identify who is entering the community but to also assist our contract tracing team in positive case or
    potential exposure situations.

These measures have been setup with the community safety in mind and I am asking everyone to help support these protocols when accessing the security checkpoint.

The FWFN Emergency Response Team has been working with Dilico to provide COVID-19 testing. The Dilico family health team is doing COVID-19 testing Mondays to Fridays by appointment only. Please call 626-5200 If you or your child require a test. Please see flyer for more details.

As of January 12, 2021, at 9:56 am confirmed by Thunder Bay District Health Unit there 671 COVID-19 confirmed positive tests in Thunder Bay and Surrounding Areas (Including District Communities & First Nation Communities). At
this time there are 0 active cases in Fort William First Nation. At this time there are 68 active case in Thunder Bay and Surrounding Areas.

Reminders and Updates:

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH- Please only use coloured flags if someone is sick in your home. The system is an emergency response measure, for those who are sick or self-isolation to indicate that help is needed. For more information please contact the Emergency Response hotline at (807) 698-0415.

FWFN Health Centre:

Prevent the Spread of the Flu, attend the next schedule Flu Clinic taking place Tuesday December 8th, 2020. 4:00-7:00p.m. at the FWFN Community Centre Non-Smoking. The clinic will be using the back entrance of the community centre. No appointment necessary. **Masks will be required**

The Health Centre is asking that FWFN families register with the health department. This information will be used in the event we have a confirmed positive case or should the province go back into lock down. This will allow staff to prepare kits and/or supplies to be distributed should they be needed. Please call Pat at 622-8802 to register with the health department.

Mandatory Masks:

FWFN Chief and Council has supported all Ministry of Health guidelines including those set forth by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Wearing a mask or face covering is required in indoor public spaces under the instructions issued by the Medical Officer of Health. The mask or face covering should cover your nose, mouth and chin, without gapping. Wearing a mask or face covering is an additional measure we can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep each other safe. This means that, with some exceptions, all customers or visitors entering an indoor premise or apartment and condominium common area are required to wear a mask or face covering while inside.

COVID-19 Information & Communication Lines

  • Email: covid19@fwfn.com
  • Call Center Line: (807) 698-0415
  • Website: https://fwfn.com/covid-19-action-plan/

How can I protect myself from getting COVID-19?

You can stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections by:

  • washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
  • avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
  • avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
  • coughing or sneezing into your sleeve and not your hands; and
  • staying home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.

If you have any questions please see contact information below.

Respectfully,
Michael D. Pelletier, Chief Executive Officer
Fort William First Nation
P: 807.623.9543 Ext. 233 C: 807-629-0471

January 12, 2021- Office of the CEO- MEMO 02- Update to FWFN Community- COVID19