Walpole Island First Nation has announced their first two positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed.
“Walpole Island First Nation received notification late last evening that a community member had been confirmed positive with COVID-19,” Walpole Island officials said in a press release issued on Saturday, April 25, 2020.
“We also received notification this morning that another community member has tested positive. Walpole Island Health Centre staff followed up with the individuals after they were notified and can confirm that the individuals are doing well and have been provided with education on how to properly self-isolate.”
Walpole Island First Nation officials added: “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, Walpole Island First Nation officials stated.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with our community members and their families at this time,” Chief Dan Miskokomon said in a media release.
“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.”
Chief Miskokomon also recorded a Facebook LIVE video, announcing the details.
Walpole Island First Nation officials say if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, 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 to determine if you need to seek further care.
Here is some more details issued by Walpole Island First Nation officials:
– If you develop mild symptoms such as a fever or cough, move to self-isolation at home and rest, call the Walpole Island Health Centre 519-627-0765.
– COVID-19 has common symptoms, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
– COVID-19 also has less common symptoms, such 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 symptoms, such
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.
