Walpole Island First Nation Records First 2 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

Walpole Island First Nation is reporting their first two positive cases of COVID-19.

Walpole Island officials say they received the first notification late Friday night. The second positive test was confirmed Saturday morning.

Walpole Island Health Centre staff have followed up with the individuals and confirm they are doing well and have been provided with education on how to properly self-isolate.

The community members have had little activity outside the home and the individuals and household contacts will continue to self-isolate at home.

Walpole Island Health Centre staff have provided the individuals and their families with personal protective equipment and will continue to monitor them twice a day by telephone.

Contact tracing has occurred and those who may have been in contact with the individuals have been notified of the to self-isolate.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with our community members and their families at this time,” says Chief Dan Miskokomon. “We encourage them to reach out for whatever they may need and wish them a speedy recovery.  We also want to remind our community to stay vigilant and stay home unless they have to leave the house for things like food or medicines.  Please practice physical distancing if you do have to go out.  Your actions right now can save lives.”

If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please contact the Health Centre 519-627-0765 or telehealth after hours or on weekends at 1-877-797-0000.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms, please self-isolate and use the Ontario Self-Assessment Tool (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/) to determine if you need to seek further care.

• If you develop mild symptoms such as a fever or cough, move to self-isolationat home and rest, call the Walpole Island Health Centre 519-627-0765.
• COVID-19 has common symptomssuch as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
• COVID-19 also has less common symptomssuch as unexplained fatigue, delirium (a serious medical condition that involves confusion, changes to memory, and odd behaviours), falls, acute functional decline, worsening of chronic conditions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills, headaches, croup, or loss of taste/smell.
• COVID-19 may also present as new or worsening respiratory symptomssuch as: sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, hoarse voice, or difficulty swallowing.
• If your symptoms become more severe and you need to seek medical attention call your health care provider or Walpole Island Health Centre 519-627-0765, or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for assessment.
• For extremely severe symptoms call 911 or visit the emergency department.