The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority has created a COVID-19 Regional Response Team to ensure the critical support required is brought to the 33 Indigenous communities they serve.
In partnership with the Independent First Nations Alliance, the team will concentrate on health services at the community level as well as emergency necessities including food and water.
The team will focus its response on five key areas; Health Care Operations, Public Health, Planning, Logistics as well as Administration and Finance.
Officials stress the primary goal is to improve communication with communities and provide advise and support as it relates to the health crisis.
Meantime, Authority is asking for help from First Nations leadership when it comes to client escorts for those traveling to Sioux Lookout for their healthcare needs.
The organization is asking able-bodied clients who can travel without an escort to do so in order to minimize the number people travelling back and forth between communities and larger urban centres.
Clients with language barriers are asked to use the Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s interpreter services at this time.
Officials note these are extraordinary circumstances and the request is being made to safeguard everyone and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
A contingency plan to assist the hostel during difficult times is also currently in development.
The Authority says two wings within Jeremiah McKay Kabayshewekamik 1 have been cleared and are now designated for self-isolation.
Officials note the number of people currently using the facilities are low but JMK1 is preparing just in case COVID-19 reaches their member communities.
