Blood Tribe COVID-19 Response Bulletin – October 8/2021
Oki,
We ask you to share this information with your family and others who do not have access to our online resources.
- Chief and Council are updated by the DEM and BTDH each week
- Blood Tribe Emergency Management meets every Wednesday
- *Blood Tribe Department of Health holds daily briefings*
RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- COVID-19 Active Cases Remain High on the Blood Reserve:
As of yesterday, October 7, 2021, the Blood Reserve’s confirmed active cases were at 137: 75 unvaccinated, 51 full vaccinated, and 11 with one dose. Hospitalizations are at 9 with 5 in ICU: 4 unvaccinated and 5 fully vaccinated. Blood Tribe Community Health posts an updated tracker for the community, which can be accessed on their website: https://btdh.ca/covid19/. The tracker is also posted on Facebook pages – BTDH Community Health and Blood Tribe Communications.
- Blood Tribe continues with Testing and Vaccine Clinics:
Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily – drive-thru facility beside the Fire Hall in Standoff. Symptomatic testing is available at the ATCO Trailer located at the Health Centre parking lot in Standoff – call (403) 737-8411 or (403) 737-3933 to book for an appointment.
The Emergency Management Team asks all Blood Tribe residents that attend off reserve events to get tested 2-3 days after returning to the reserve; this also applies to those traveling on and off reserve for school and work reasons.
The Blood Tribe Department of Health continues to provide Vaccine Clinics for members who are eligible for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. The upcoming clinics are as scheduled:
Moderna and Pfizer Vaccine Clinic:
Wednesday, Oct. 13/21 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Multipurpose Building in Standoff, AB
Covid and Influenza Vaccine Clinics:
Tuesday, Oct. 19/21 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Levern Community Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 20/21 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Multipurpose Building in Standoff, AB
Thursday, Oct. 21/21 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Moses Lake Community Hall
Tuesday, Oct. 26/21 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Levern Community Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 27/21 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Multipurpose Building in Standoff, AB
Thursday, Oct. 28/21 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Moses Lake Community Hall
On October 6, 2021 all First Nations, Metis, Inuit 65 years of age or older, are eligible to receive a third dose (booster shot) of COVID-19 vaccine. This includes those living on and off-reserve. Bookings will open at 8:00 a.m. on October 6th. Please note that a minimum of six months must pass between the date when a person received with second dose, and their third dose.
Third doses of Moderna and Pfizer will also be offered to all community members with immunizing conditions who meet the criteria set out by AHS with a note from your physician’s clinic, your cancer clinic or dialysis unit. Third doses for travel are available if your COVID vaccine was Covishield/Astra Zeneca or mixed doses and the country requires something else.
Please bring your Alberta Health Care number. Those who need transportation please call Blood Tribe Family and Community Support Services at (403) 737-2888.
Thank you all for registering and making commitments to receive the vaccine as you are all contributing to the safety of our community. Please remember to continue to follow all public safety measures (physical distancing, washing hands, wearing masks) after you receive your vaccine – for your first and second dose.
- Blood Tribe Department and Entity Service Delivery Changes:
- Kainai Board of Education announced all KBE schools will transition to online classes for the duration of one week – an announcement provided by KBE Superintendent, Cameron Shade. Classes will go online starting on Tuesday, October 12th until October 19th. The change to class delivery is a COVID-19 response to the high number of active cases on the Blood Reserve.
- Bus Co-op ceased bussing to off-reserve schools (includes Lethbridge Catholic and Public schools, Fort Macleod schools and Westwind schools) on October 6th. Operations will resume on October 21st ONLY if the Blood Reserve COVID-19 cases have declined.
Any further changes will be announced as the Blood Tribe Emergency Management Team, Blood Tribe Department of Health, and Chief and Council continue to monitor the COVID-19 active cases on the Blood Reserve.
- Enhanced Safety Measures for Blood Reserve updated on Oct.4/21:
Blood Tribe Safety Enhancement Measures are in effect on the Blood Reserve. These orders can be reviewed here: https://bloodtribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Oct-4-2021-Blood-Tribe-COVID-19-Enhanced-Safety-Measures6.pdf
- Those under quarantine orders must follow or face penalties.
- CURFEW is now 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Restrict travel for essential purposes only.
- Indoor and Outdoor gatherings will be aligned with provincial regulations.
- No indoor gatherings, except for minor hockey, which will be monitored by BTDH with additional safety measures by Recreation and league officials to be implemented. No parents or spectators are permitted to attend games. All players, coaches and staff must be vaccinated.
- No funerals are allowed at private residences, only outdoor wakes under the approval of the DEM and BTDH.
- Masks are mandatory.
- Physical distancing is required in public places (unless with family cohort).
- Blood Tribe Administration Implements Return to Work Policy:
Blood Tribe Administration employees will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination(s) to ensure a safe environment for colleagues, clientele, their own families and the Blood Reserve in general. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis but only under stringent circumstances. Employees have been given a period of time to get their vaccines and documentation in place. The policy was presented to Chief and Council and was endorsed by passing a Band Council Resolution which came into effect on September 27, 2021.
Continue to Practice Prevention Against COVID-19 by following these guidelines, for both on and off reserve:
- Wear facemasks
- Wash your hands often and well
- Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Stay at home as much as possible, and practice social (physical) when you do leave home: keep at least 6 feet from others when going out for groceries, medical trips and other essential needs
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
- Stay away from others if you are feeling ill
- When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands
- For COVID-19 Testing questions, please contact your primary health provider or
Blood Tribe COVID-19 Hotline at (403) 737-8411 or Alberta Health Link at 811
For continued updates please check:
Blood Tribe Communications and Community Engagement – bloodtribe.org, Facebook ‘Blood Tribe Communications – Tsinikssini’, Blood Tribe Communications Twitter and Instagram accounts.
Stay Safe,
BLOOD TRIBE COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
