Ontario says they’re keeping a close eye on the rise of COVID-19 cases in the province’s far north, with critics saying the easing of public health measures across the province may have happened too quickly for many First Nation communities.
As of February 24, the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority is reporting a total of 445 active COVID-19 cases across their catchment area, which includes 30 First Nation communities in the Kenora and Kiiwetinoong ridings.
Active cases include 74 in Eabametoong First Nation, 114 in Kasabonika Lake First Nation, 36 in Lac Seul First Nation, 84 in Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation, 33 in Pikangikum First Nation and various amounts across a variety of communities throughout the north.
From the onset of the pandemic, SLFNHA has reported a total of 1807 COVID-19 cases – meaning the current 445 active case count represents nearly 25 per cent of the region’s total COVID-19 cases reported in the last two years.
Kiiwetinoong MPP and Opposition Critic for Indigenous and Treaty Relations, Sol Mamakwa, later questioned the government’s response to multiple COVID-19 outbreaks during Question Period at Queen’s Park on February 23.
“While COVID-19 numbers may be in decline in southern parts of Ontario, we continue to see extremely high numbers of COVID-19 in First Nations across the north. The province-wide easing of restrictions completely misses what’s happening and what’s needed in the north. The north is in a critical stage in the fight against COVID-19.”
Mamakwa says COVID-19 outbreaks are much more dangerous in First Nation communities, who have historically lived with a lack of support, supplies and healthcare resources from the provincial and federal governments, overcrowding due to limited housing stock and a lack of clean drinking water.
Although the federal government did provide Mishkeegogamang and Eabametoong with supplies and members of the Canadian Rangers throughout the month, they’ve since left the two communities. As well, Indigenous Services Canada sent 22 healthcare staff to the two communities and Pikangikum to assist front-line SLFNHA staff with case and contact management work through their outbreaks.
“Health officials across the north have said we are weeks behind the rest of the province when it comes to test positivity rates and hospitalizations. This virus remains a serious threat to the north, with some experiencing their highest numbers since the beginning of the pandemic,” adds Mamakwa.
The Northwestern Health Unit says their catchment area’s COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 is the highest in Ontario at 455.1 – over five times higher than the provincial average of 90.7. The region’s COVID-19 test positivity rate is also listed at 29.1 per cent – close to triple Ontario’s average of 10.8 per cent.
In response, Ontario’s Health Minister and Deputy Premier, Christine Elliott, says the government has seen strong collaboration with First Nation communities and leadership throughout the pandemic, which she says will continue to address the north’s rising COVID-19 cases.
“This is an important issue. Our government is dedicated to making sure that everyone in Ontario, regardless of where they live, receive the supports they need to deal with COVID-19. We are aware of an increase in COVID-19 infections in parts of northern Ontario. It’s something we’re monitoring very carefully.”
Elliott adds Ontario is planning to acquire and distribute additional COVID-19 rapid antigen tests across the province to help determine and limit community transmission of the virus.
As of February 24, Ontario is reporting a total of 1,066 hospitalizations across the province – down from 1,342 one week ago. The Ministry of Health says about 49 per cent were admitted to the hospital for COVID-19, while 51 per cent tested positive at a later date.
Of the 1,066 hospitalizations, Ontario says 302 are in intensive care units and 74 per cent were admitted specifically for COVID-19. The number of ICU patients was listed at 356 one week ago.
Treaty #3 Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, along with Grand Council Treaty #3 leadership, says they’ve also been monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 situation in their territory, and have been conducting regular meetings with government health officials and local communities.
“I know many people are having a difficult time right now but there is hope for a better spring and summer,” says Ogichidaa Kavanaugh.
“A small effort such as wearing a mask or washing your hands regularly can go a long way towards ridding our communities of COVID-19. If we can all hold on just a little bit longer, I am confident in a few months we can get back to doing the things we love with the people we love.”
Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Derek Fox, is also calling for provincial and federal agencies to respect all community pandemic protocols that remain enacted in First Nations across their territory, with 651 active cases of COVID-19 reported in 25 NAN communities as of February 17.
Requests for further information on the situation have been sent to SLFNHA, which haven’t been returned as of writing.