COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: total cases on-reserve surpass 5,000

Eleven people on First Nations reserves have died from COVID-19 over the last week, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.

The federal department reported 1,942 active cases on reserve, with 1,082 new cases since last week. The Atlantic region saw its first cases of COVID-19 reported, with two cases reported in Sipekne'katik First Nation in Nova Scotia.

Outbreaks continued in the Prairies. In Manitoba, First Nations are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, according to Marcia Anderson, a doctor with the Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Co-ordination Team.

Shamattawa First Nation is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for urgent help to evacuate its elders as it deals with an outbreak. The Canadian Armed Forces recently announced it will soon be on hand to support the remote fly-in community where roughly one in five people has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Meanwhile, a formal review of the care home outbreak Opaskwayak Cree Nation experienced will be shared publicly to help other communities dealing with the pandemic.

As of Dec. 7, there have been a total of 5,071 cases on-reserve since the pandemic started. The death toll has risen to 45, and 60 additional hospitalizations were reported bringing the total hospitalizations to 222. The number of First Nations people who have recovered from the disease reached 3,084.

There have been a total of 29 confirmed positive cases in the Nunavik region of Quebec, and all but one have recovered. In Nunavut, there are 44 active cases with a total of 220 cases reported as of Tuesday. Masks will be mandatory in all Nunavut communities with COVID-19.

Total cases on First Nations reserves per region reported as of Dec. 7:

• British Columbia: 397
• Alberta: 1,481
• Saskatchewan: 1,360
• Manitoba: 1,481
• Ontario: 198
• Quebec: 152
• Atlantic: 2

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What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

• new or worsening cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• temperature equal to or over 38°C
• feeling feverish
• chills
• fatigue or weakness
• muscle or body aches
• new loss of smell or taste
• headache
• gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
• feeling very unwell

If you think you may have COVID-19, please consult your local health department to book an appointment at a screening clinic. 

CBC Indigenous is looking to hear from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who have contracted COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, please email us at [email protected].