COVID-19 Information for the Public

The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Nation Government is working with the Cree Health Board to keep you updated on COVID-19 information for Eeyou Istchee.

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Resources, Publications and Announcements on COVID-19

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Deconfinement Management Plan

Deconfining in Eeyou Istchee

Since March 2020, we have has been united in the fight against COVID-19.  We have faced many challenges but have done our best to keep one another safe.  High vaccination rates are a testament to this fight.

As the world begins to deconfine, remove certain restrictions, and return to a more normal life, Eeyou Istchee is also preparing to deconfine, cautiously, with the health of our members and the conservation of our healthcare networks’ capacities as priorities.

We will be collectively transitioning from an isolation protocol to a testing protocol that will greatly relieve pressure from our members.

Law Respecting Measures to Manage the Spread of COVID-19 through Mandatory Testing : ACTIONS

Mandatory Testing

•Any person entering a community after having travelled to an Area of Risk will need to test as per the Deconfinement Steps 1 to 3

Reduced Activity Protocol

•May go to work and outdoors but not to indoor public areas like arenas, grocery store.  Attending school subject to CSB protocols.
•Refrain from visiting homes of others

Deconfinement Calendar for Eeyou Istchee

Step 1 – February 25 to March 10

•Reduced Activity Protocol for all between 5 and 10 days depending on vaccination status

Step 2 – March 11 to March 24

•Reduced Activity Protocol for unvaccinated for 7 days

Step 3 – March 25 to Pending CHB Recommendation

•Reduced Activity Protocol no longer applicable

 

Deconfinement Calendar PDF

Latest Livestream Deconfinement Management Plan of Eeyou Istchee

A copy of all information presented today can be accessed using the link below

What is the current situation in Eeyou Istchee?

Updated April 21, 2022

Active cases as of April 20, 2022 at 3:00PM

Chisasibi – 108

Eastmain – 35

Mistissini – 87

Nemaska -26

Ouje-Bougoumou – 29

Waskaganish – 27

Waswanipi – 53

Wemindji – 34

Whapmagoostui – 137

TOTAL – 536

If you are worried about COVID-19, call your CMC or the Cree Board of Health COVID-19 Info Line’s toll-free number:
1-866-855-2811

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Cree Health Board

What are the areas of risk?

Updates in this section to include the most recent areas of high risk: April 21, 2022

In alignment with the Deconfinement Plan for Eeyou Istchee, people travelling from areas outside of Eeyou Istchee are advised to get tested. If you test positive for COVID-19 it is advised that you avoid public places and respect local guidelines.

COVID-19 Areas of Risk | April 21, 2022

View the Web Map

Archive: COVID-19 Overview

We have updated our page to add more updated content. We have created a PDF to provide an overview of:

  1. What is COVID-19?
  2. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
  3. Which people are considered high risk?
  4. Should I avoid travel?

You can find all of this information as well on the Cree Board of Health’s website dedicated to COVID-19 at:

https://www.creehealth.org/covid

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COVID-19 Overview (PDF)

Archived: Law Respecting Measures to Contain the Spread of COVID-19 through Mandatory Self-Isolation

Current Situation

The Population of Eeyou Istchee is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 for the following reasons:

  • High prevalence of underlying health issues: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and other pulmonary issues;
  • The Cree Health Board has a mandate covering a large geographic area with limited resources during a time when it is especially difficult to recruit new or additional human resources;

Eeyou Istchee remains COVID-19 free with sporadic cases being identified while southern Quebec represents the epicentre for the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.

  • All Cree cases of COVID-19 have been traced to Montreal or international travel.

Despite the maintenance of consistently high numbers of COVID-19 cases in Southern Quebec, the Government is moving forward with the deconfinement of regions and the re-starting of industries.

COVID-19 Threat to Eeyou Istchee

Quebec had imposed regional travel restrictions that have assisted greatly in reducing the risk of COVID-19 entering Eeyou Istchee, the regional travel restrictions will be lifted in the coming weeks, despite any differences that
may exist in infection rates within the different regions;

The two single largest threats to the capacity of healthcare in communities in regard to COVID-19 remain:

  1. Community members traveling south and then returning to a Cree community;
  2. Guests from outside the region coming into a Cree community;

Beyond the physical distancing and other preventative measures, the Cree Nation must maintain control and monitor closely those that come into Eeyou Istchee from Southern regions.

Law Respecting Measures to Contain the Spread of COVID-19 through Mandatory Self-Isolation

Important Features

  • Applicable only if you are entering a Cree First Nation community through the local checkpoints operated by community Public Safety Officers*.
  • Information concerning an individual’s health will NOT be collected nor registered.
  • Personal contact information of individuals will NOT be registered.
  • Your name will only be registered if you are returning from an identified Area of Risk** including the expiry date of your isolation period.
  • The CBHSSJB Self-Isolation Guideline is important to consult when preparing for your 14-day isolation.
  • Exemptions may be considered if:
    -The individual is examined by a physician who can determine that they do not represent a risk to the community;
    -The individual has gone through a screening process, isolation protocol or other measures that may allow them to be exempt with conditions that they must respect while in the community.

As the pandemic continues, we must maintain the precautionary measures put in place to protect our Elders, our community members providing essential services and the health network that has been working hard to keep us safe.  These measures have been highly effective in keeping our communities safe.  We thank you all for your cooperation during this challenging time.

*The 2017 Governance Agreement provides Cree First Nations with the authority to adopt and implement their own laws in Category 1A lands.  These laws supersede laws of the provincial or federal governments.

**Area of Risk is identified with expertise from the Public Health Department with consideration to the epidemiological data available for these regions and areas.