COVID-19 Update for Eeyou Istchee

There are 49 active cases in Eeyou Istchee. 

Please note: New COVID-19 cases confirmed by rapid testing (done at home or at a community site like the firehall) are no longer included in the regional case report. 

• Only cases diagnosed by clinical or lab-based tests will be reported at the regional level.
• This will affect the regional case count, which will appear lower than the actual number of people infected with COVID-19.

Currently, about 4 out of 5 new cases in Eeyou Istchee are detected through rapid antigen testing. This proportion of cases confirmed by rapid testing has been consistent over several weeks.

People who do test positive for COVID-19 should continue to follow medical self-isolation recommendations to prevent infecting others.

• 49 active cases in Eeyou Istchee.
• 6 people have died from COVID-19 related complications during the outbreak.
• 54 people have been hospitalized during the outbreak. 
• 6,523 cases have recovered.
• Confirmed cases since the start of the outbreak: 6,581

***PLEASE NOTE***

Quebec records COVID-19 related deaths regionally based on peoples’ primary residence when they passed.

This means that COVID-19 related deaths added to Region 18 only include people who lived in Eeyou Istchee (as their primary residence) at the time of their passing.

Quebec’s reporting of COVID-19 related hospitalizations is also by region, and is based on peoples’ primary residence.

The Cree Health Board is aware of Eeyouch/Eenouch who lived outside of Eeyou Istchee when they passed away.

These people are not reflected in Quebec’s reported COVID-19 for Region 18.  They are included in the region of their primary residence when they died.

The Cree Health Board is also aware of Cree patients living long-term outside of Eeyou Istchee who have tested positive for COVID-19, and are, or have been hospitalized.

Medical isolation recommended in Eeyou Istchee:

• 7 days for people who test positive for COVID-19
• 7-14 days for people who are close contacts of a positive case (depending on whether they live with someone who has tested positive).
• 10 days if you are immunosuppressed and have COVID-19.  

People who are positive or close contacts can isolate three different ways:

• in a household “bubble".
• at home in a separate, closed room.
• in a separate unit. 

Please note: Public Health’s regional contact tracing team can’t call everyone who tests positive. 

People who test positive, or are a close contact to a positive case should tell their family and friends that they may have been exposed, so they can take needed measures and precautions. 

If you think you’re a close contact of a positive case: Assume you are positive. We recommend that you take needed precautions.

• We recommend that you isolate for 7 full days, even if you don’t have symptoms. Monitor yourself for symptoms during that time.
• If you don’t have symptoms, please wait 3-5 days before calling for a test.
• If you start to feel sick while you’re isolating, assume you are positive. Inform your PSO.
• Call anyone you have had close contact with 48 hours prior to the onset of your symptoms.

• People infected with COVID-19 during the outbreak are presumed to have caught Omicron, and likely have short-term protective immunity against the variant that lasts about 3 months.
• This immunity does not extend to other virus variants that may be in circulation.
• People should continue all precautionary measures after recovery (including wearing a mask when needed, handwashing, distancing).
• Public Health recommends vaccination 8 weeks or sooner after a confirmed Covid-19 infection. Talk to a nurse about your options.

If you want to request a letter of Proof of Recovery, or of a negative COVID-19 test result, there are two options:

1. Call the Info-Line during regular hours (Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM) at 1-866-855-2811.

2. Or, email your request to: 18tcr.covid.infoline@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

• Please mention which letter of proof you need: Proof of Recovery or of a Negative Result.
• Please provide your full name, date of birth, and the email address where you would like to receive the letter of proof.

***As conditions improve the Cree Nation will move to deconfine with caution depending on the status of COVID-19 cases. 

Phase 4: 

• Indoor gatherings: No restrictions on number of households 
• Outdoor gatherings: No restrictions on number of households
• Gatherings: Maximum 50 people indoor; Maximum 150 people outdoor
• Education: Adapted protocols until February 25; In-person as of February 28
• Travel: No restrictions on travel except to areas of risk as per protocols
• Work: Childcare services to be provided for all workers requiring service 

Phase 3:

• Indoor gatherings: Maximum 3 households
• Outdoor gatherings: Maximum 3 households
• Gatherings: Maximum 25 people indoor; Maximum 75 people outdoor
• Education: Adapted protocols (mix of online and in person)
• Travel: No restrictions on inter-community travel, except to Areas of Risk
• Work: Childcare services to be provided for all workers requiring service

Other measures such as curfews or entry requirements may be in effect in different communities. Updated information on local measures are available on Cree Nation Council Facebook pages or websites.

Public Health is collaborating with the Cree School Board to maintain and adjust COVID-19 protocols and safety measures in all sectors.

• Parents/guardians should complete the daily health check for their children.