COVID-19 Updates & Essential Services

Rebecca FoisyNotice

Nipissing First Nation offices are will reopen on March 15, 2022 for regular hours of operation:
Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed daily from 12:00pm – 1:00pm)

Read the latest updates from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit here: North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (myhealthunit.ca)

Get the latest COVID-19 status reports for the North Bay Parry Sound District here: COVID-19 Information – North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (myhealthunit.ca)

Learn more about Ontario’s Proof of Vaccination Requirement that started on September 22, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Education Module – North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

To view Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, please visit: ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario

Emergency Contacts:

  • Public Works: 705-840-3626 or 705-498-2519
  • Right Path Counselling & Prevention Services: 705-753-1375 (Please leave a message if calling after-hours. Voicemail is monitored daily.)
  • Food Bank Access Dates: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month. Download the order form at nfn.ca/food-bank/. For more information, call 705-753-6972 (leave a message) or send an email to [email protected].

Important Updates & Contacts

Update on COVID-19 Vaccines - December 18, 2021

In the face of the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, we have to focus on what we can control.  Continuing to follow public health measures, limiting our close contacts, and unfortunately, as of just recently, rethinking our holiday plans again this year. The best layer of protection is getting vaccinated and we thank everyone who has rolled up their sleeves to do their part to protect themselves, their loved ones and our community.  Chi-Miigwech. We know that Ontario is accelerating the roll-out of 3rd doses (also called boosters) for anyone over the age of 18, and NFN has been offering 3rd doses to all eligible adults since they became available to us on November 15th.   The minimum time between a 2nd dose and a booster dose is now 84 days. If your 2nd dose was on September 27th or earlier, you’re eligible for a booster December 20th.    Our incredible Health Services team has administered over 4,000 doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to date, with 3,700 adult doses of Moderna, 327 Pfizer vaccines to youth and 57 Pfizer vaccines to children between the ages of 5-11 years. If you haven’t already done so, you can book an appointment for a 1st, 2nd or 3rd dose of an adult vaccine, or register for vaccines for children and youth aged 5 and up by calling the Lawrence Commanda Health Centre at 705-753-3312. Vaccine clinics through our LCHC will be scheduled after January 10th. If you want to get a vaccine sooner, our local health unit is planning clinics throughout the holidays and you can book an appointment starting December 20th by calling 705-995-3810. You can also visit the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s website at myhealthunit.ca to find out when and where clinics are scheduled, or follow their Facebook page. Many pharmacies are also offering COVID-19 vaccines.  Contact your pharmacy directly to see if you can book an appointment. If you or a family member develop any symptoms, your can contact the North Bay Regional Health Centre at 474-8600 ext. 4110 to book an appointment for testing, or book an appointment at the West Nipissing COVID-19 assessment centre by calling 753-3110 ext. 357. If you don’t have symptoms, antigen testing is available at the Lakeshore Drive and Josephine Street Shoppers Drug Mart locations in North Bay.

COVaxON Data Entry Completed

All NFN vaccination records have now been inputted into COVaxON, the Ontario provincial database used for tracking COVID-19 vaccines. A reminder that can retrieve your own vaccine record online. Your doctor, pharmacist or hospital will also be able to see your record if you need it for healthcare reasons. Here is what you will need to get your COVID-19 vaccine record: If you have an urgent need for your COVAxON vaccine record, please contact Carole Lafantaisie, Community Health Nurse, at 705-753-3312 ext. 2257.

Rapid Testing on NFN

If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms a rapid test can give you a printed results in 15 minutes.  NFN Health Services has 4 COVID-19 rapid testing units that are operated by our trained nurses. It is important to note that these units serve as a surveillance tool and do not provide a laboratory confirmed result.  Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 at one of our rapid testing units will be sent for a test at an assessment centre to confirm the result.  Individuals who test negative will not need to take further action if there is no concern about possible exposure to COVID-19. To inquire about getting a rapid test, please call the Health Centre at 705-753-3312.

Contacts

If you are concerned about a potential exposure to COVID-19 or have any questions about vaccines, please contact our Community Health Nurse, Carole Lafantaisie, at 705-840-8830.  Other inquiries may be directed to Kimberly Lalonde, Director of Health Services, at 705-498-3698. The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s COVID-19 call centre has a new toll-free phone number (1-844-478-1400) for individuals to discuss general or school concerns related to COVID-19. For current case numbers in our district, please visit the Health Unit’s COVID-19 status report dashboard.
Important Message re: Vision Care Services
As of September 1, 2021, Optometrists in Ontario have withdrawn from the provincial insurance program for vision care services. This is due to a dispute alleging the amount of reimbursement for eye exams is inadequate.
 
If you are a First Nation member in the 20-to-64-year age range your vision care services will continue to be covered by Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).  First Nation members 19 years and under, 65 years and over or with certain medical conditions may not be covered for the cost of an eye exam until this dispute is resolved as NIHB cannot legally pay for a provincially insured (OHIP) service.
 
If you are an NFN member and your Optometrist or Eye Doctor has opted out of the OHIP program, please contact Nipissing First Nation Health Services and speak with Sue Commanda, NIHB Coordinator at (705) 753-3312 (ext. 2233) to inquire about coverage under the Medical Health Fund. You may also reach Sue by email at [email protected].
  • Community Health Nurse
  • Right Path Essential Client Services
    • Phone-in appointments - 705-753-1375
    • Overdose Prevention Line 1-888-853-8542
Harm Reduction Services (needle exchange and naloxone kits) are available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm at 316 Ted Commanda Drive, Garden Village.  Knock at the door and someone will assist OR call Lisa at (705) 753-1375 and leave a message on the general voice mail and arrangements will be made to get your order to you.  You can also reach us by email: [email protected].
The Suboxone Clinic is located at 58 Semo Road (Lawrence Commanda Health Centre) Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm. You can also call 705-753-1375 to make pick-up or delivery arrangements. New referrals and self-referrals are welcome.  Client transportation is available.
 

Contacts

  • Carole Lafantaisie, Community Health Nurse – COVID-19/Pandemic Response 705-753-3312 ext. 2257 or 705-840-8830 (cell)  |  [email protected]
  • Kimberly Lalonde, Director of Health Services 705-753-3312 ext. 2223  |  [email protected]

Food Bank Services

Access days are the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.  Click HERE to visit the Food Bank page for the current month's order form. Deadline is Tuesday at 4:00pm prior to each access day. Food Bank clients are limited to ordering TWICE per month.  Click HERE for information about changes to Access Days that are effective March 2021. For more information, call 705-753-6972 (leave a message) or send an email to [email protected]. * If you are not a current Food Bank client and would like to see if you qualify, please call 705-753-6972 or read the Food Bank Policy to learn more about eligibility requirements.

Other Social Services

  • Ojibway Women’s Lodge 705-472-3321 (emergency), 705-472-0233 (crisis support) or 705-472-7828 (inquiries) www.ojibwaywomenslodge.ca
  • Ontario Works Ginger Penasse, Ontario Works Supervisor 705-753-2050 ext. 1324
  • Child Welfare (Emergency) Wendy Lariviere, Band Representative Program Manager 705-753-2691
  • True Self Debwewendizwin 705-477-4043 for Administration inquiries or 705-494-0743 for General Information and for a call back from staff for Support Services or Peer Support

Garbage & Bi-Weekly Recycling Collection:

Garbage is collected every week on Mondays, and Recycling is collected every two weeks on Tuesdays. Please note that Monday, May 24th is Victoria Day.  Garbage collection is moved to Tuesday, May 25th and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday, May 26th.
2021 Spring Clean-Up Days Schedule:
  • Wednesday, May 19th – Garden Village, Veterans Lane, and Mosquito Creek area.
  • Thursday, May 20th – Jocko Point and Area.
  • Friday, May 21st – Yellek and Duchesnay area.
Please click HERE for more information.
To help protect the safety of workers, please put all garbage in bags before placing it in your bin.  NO LOOSE GARBAGE will be accepted.

Landfill Operations:

Open Saturday, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday from 9am to 5pm Please note that Monday, May 24th is Victoria Day and the Landfill will be closed. Download the NFN Waste App for Apple or Android and never miss garbage day again!  More details: Garbage & Recycling » Nipissing First Nation (nfn.ca)

Other Services:

  • Building Maintenance & Disinfection
  • Road maintenance
  • Waste Management
  • Water & Wastewater Treatment

Contacts:

  • Steve Doucette, Public Works Manager 705-753-4167 ext. 4001 or 705-840-3626 (cell) | [email protected]
While our offices remain closed to the public, our payment options are as follows:
  1. Sending a cheque in the mail (36 Semo Road, Garden Village ON  P2B 3K2)
  2. Providing us with a void cheque to do a Pre-Authorized payment
  3. Providing us with a credit card/Visa debit (including Expiry and 3 digits on the back)
  4. Interac e-Transfer – see details below  *NEW*
We now accept Interac e-Transfers (EMT) from banking institutions that allow auto-deposits.  Please note that some banks (mainly credit unions such as Caisse Populaire) require a password for EMTs and we cannot accept these transfers - we can only accept auto-deposits. All EMTs should be sent to [email protected] and include a message.  You MUST provide your email address and payment details using the Message option at the time of sending the EMT from your bank account (see below examples).  Otherwise, we may not be able to credit the appropriate account, or trace the payment back to you to clarify what it is for. It's encouraged to include your Customer Number (CUST#) in the message, this can be found on invoices/statements and receipts - usually beginning with a JP or B for lease payments.
Messages options:
  1. Rent
  2. Loan
  3. Land Lease
  4. Natural Gas
  5. Daycare – indicate which daycare
  6. Hall Rental – date of event
  7. Workshop – must provide name and date of event
  8. Fundraising/Donations (Specify the fundraiser payment i.e. LNHL fundraiser/sale)
  9. Other – (Specify what payment is for – i.e. Good Food Box payment)
All payment information and questions should be directed to [email protected]

Student Bussing & School Reopening Plans

Other Helpful Information

Updates & Notices

COVID-19 Support for Post-Secondary Students - The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19. This benefit is for students who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI). From May to August 2020, the CESB provides a payment to eligible students of $1,250 for each 4-week period OR $2,000 for each 4-week period, if you have dependants or a disability.  Learn more about the benefit and how to apply here:  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/emergency-student-benefit.html

Contacts

  • COVID-19: Support for people - Learn what financial, mental health and other supports are available in Ontario during COVID-19.
  • Anishinabek Nation Community Assistance Program - The Anishinabek Nation, in partnership with WP Financial (funded by Indigenous Affairs Ontario), has launched a Community Assistance Program for citizens from each of the 39 Anishinabek First Nations.
This program offers citizens (both on and off-reserve) with access to support for challenges such as (but not limited to), relationship concerns, family or parenting issues, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, coping with health issues, work-related challenges, etc.   Citizens who wish to access this program can either talk to someone immediately, or schedule an appointment when it is convenient for them.  Appointments can take place over the telephone, online using video conferencing, or in-person where and when available. This is a free service for citizens of the Anishinabek Nation.  To speak to someone in confidence, for crisis services (24 hours a day) or to book an appointment, call 1-800-663-1142.
Resources from Giyak Moseng (Right Path) Counselling and Prevention Services: A reminder that the Right Path is maintaining Essential Client Services (phone-in appointments).  For more information, please call 705-753-1375 and leave a message. Harm reduction supplies (needle exchange) can be picked up at the Right Path (316 Ted Commanda Drive) by calling 705-753-1375 to arrange for pick up.  You can also drop-in at the door and pick up supplies if calling is not an option.  If you live outside of Garden Village, supplies can be ordered and delivered by calling the office at 705-753-1375.
Other Resources:
  • Mental Health & the COVID-19 Pandemic:  This site is designed to provide information and suggestions about how best to cope in this difficult time. It is not intended to be a resource for people who require screening for COVID-19 or are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 911 immediately or present to your nearest emergency department. For up-to-date information about Ontario’s COVID-19 response, please visit the provincial government's COVID-19 information page
Please call our Administration Office at 705-753-2050 or contact one of the following individuals:
  • Chief Scott McLeod 705-498-7599 (cell)
  • Brendan Huston, Chief Executive Officer 705-498-0889 (cell)
  • Melvin McLeod, Emergency Services Manager 705-493-6508 (cell)
  • Freda Martel, Director of Administration 705-471-4172 (cell)
  • Gen Couchie, Communications Officer 705-498-2507 (cell)
  • NFN Rental Housing Emergency Repairs/Maintenance 705-477-1586 (cell)
To contact staff by email, please visit our Contact Us page.

Chi-Miigwech to everyone for your patience and diligence during these difficult and unprecedented times.  Please pay close attention to public health information and stay safe and healthy.

We all play an important role to lessen the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing and self-isolation are critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.  Stay informed with updates from reputable sources, such as the health officials listed below.

Current Status of Cases

Public Health Information

Nipissing Parry Sound District Health Unit News:

For status updates:

Everyone can take simple precautions to stay healthy and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Avoid unnecessary outings and practice physical distancing if you must go out - this means putting distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community (this is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick)
  • Clean high touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach
  • Self-monitor and if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share your recent travel history with your health care provider
  • If you need to self-isolate, please follow the advice from your healthcare provider.
  • Know the Difference: Self-monitoring, self-isolation and isolation for COVID-19
Take a few simple, practical steps to prepare yourself and your household.  Here are some tips to help you and your family stay healthy.  For more information, visit ontario.ca/coronavirus

Non-medical Masks

Non-medical masks help to contain droplets of those wearing them and are meant to keep people without COVID-19 symptoms from unknowingly infecting others.   They are not intended for use by people with symptoms such as cough, fever or body aches. Always wash your hands before putting on a mask, after taking it off and wash the mask between each use or discard it and use a new one.  Turning the mask inside out to use again is not recommended.  Avoid touching your face including your eyes while wearing it. When you must leave home, adhere to a 6 feet (2m) physical distance from others as just wearing a non-medical mask will not stop COVID-19. The best prevention is to stay home, avoid non-essential trips and frequent hand washing for 20 seconds with soap and water. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/non-medical-masks-covid-19-spread-1.5523321

Testing

Please visit the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit's website for the most current guidance around Testing:  COVID-19 Testing - North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (myhealthunit.ca).

NOTE: Most people who have COVID-19 symptoms should not seek testing at an assessment centre. Assessment centres are prioritizing PCR tests (also known as molecular tests) for people who are at a greater risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, and those who live or work in highest risk settings. If  you fall under the eligibility criteria below, you may call to book an appointment at your local assessment centre. If you do not fit the criteria, please see our What to do if Symptomatic, Positive or Exposed page. Please note assessment centres do not accept walk-ins. The Health Unit has launched a new web page, myhealthunit.ca/COVIDGuide. The web page provides a link to the provincial self-assessment tool and guidelines for what to do next if you test positive for COVID-19, have symptoms, or may have been exposed to the virus. Individuals without internet access can contact the Health Unit’s call centre at 1-844-478-1400 or 705-995-3810 for advice.

Assessment Centres

Residents who have symptoms or are concerned about a possible exposure to a positive case of COVID-19 are advised to get tested.  If you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, you should call 911 and mention your symptoms. If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care or contact NFN’s Community Health Nurse at 705-840-8830 for more information.
  • North Bay Regional Health Centre – 50 College Drive, North Bay Appointment Required – Call 705-474-8600 ext. 4110 - Open 9am to 5pm (7 days a week) Assessment Centre is in parking lot #9 for symptomatic patients or children 8 & under Drive thru options available near Emergency entrance available for asymptomatic people
  • West Nipissing Assessment Centre – 219 O’Hara Street, Sturgeon Falls (Community Complex) Appointment Required – Call 705-753-3110 ext. 357 - Open 8am to 12pm (Monday to Friday) - Effective January 10, 2022
 

Symptoms

Symptoms of  and variants range from mild — like the flu and other common respiratory infections — to severe. If you feel sick or not well, please stay home. Talk with a doctor if necessary. Call 911 if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
  • severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, can only speak in single words)
  • severe chest pain (constant tightness or crushing sensation)
  • feeling confused or unsure of where you are
  • losing consciousness
The most common symptoms of  include:
  • fever (a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher) and/or chills
  • cough, including a barking cough or croup (continuous, more than usual, making a whistling noise when breathing)
  • shortness of breath (out of breath, unable to breathe deeply)
  • decrease or loss of taste or smell
  • for children under 18 years of age: nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • for adults over 18 years of age: muscle aches, joint pain and/or extreme tiredness
If you feel sick or not well (not related to getting a COVID-19 vaccine in the last 48 hours), please stay home. Talk with a doctor if necessary. Complications from  can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure and, in some cases, death. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. However, most people who get it will recover on their own. Typical treatment for common coronaviruses includes:
  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • getting as much rest and sleep as possible
  • using a humidifier or taking a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough
For more information, please visit: COVID-19: Stop the spread | ontario.ca

Other Resources:

  • Telehealth Ontario for medical advice at 1-866-797-0000
  • North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5229
  • Your primary health care provider (i.e. Family Doctor)
Take a self-assessment test here:  https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/

Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, using this self-assessment tool can help you determine if you need to seek further care. Children attending school or child care centres should use the COVID-19 Online School Screening Tool (or click HERE to download the PDF version). You can also visit Dial-a-Doc to submit an online request and get a callback from a Doctor within 24 hours.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, contact:

  • Telehealth Ontario for medical advice at 1-866-797-0000
  • North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5229
  • Your primary health care provider (i.e. Family Doctor)
  • If you are having difficulty breathing or are experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.  Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

Assessment Centres

West Nipissing Assessment Centre – by appointment only Open 10am – 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Phone:  705-580-2186
North Bay Regional Health Centre – by appointment only 2 Options:  Assessment Centre at west end of NBRHC in parking lot #9 – for symptomatic patients or children 8 years & under, and a new drive-thru option for asymptomatic testing at west entrance. 705-474-8600 ext. 4110

You may also be interested in:

Contacts

  • Telehealth Ontario for medical advice at 1-866-797-0000
  • North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5229
  • Your primary health care provider (i.e. Family Doctor)

Carole Lafantaisie, Community Health Nurse
705-840-8830 (cell)  | [email protected]

Kimberly Lalonde, Director of Health Services
705-753-3312 ext. 2223 | [email protected]

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COVID-19 Support for People & Businesses

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