COVID-19 update for Saturday, January 9, 2021

On January 7th, Musqueam administration was notified of 3 active cases of COVID-19 on the Musqueam Reserve. Watch this COVID-19 update from Councillors Tammy Harkey and Allyson Fraser for the latest information as of January 9, 2021.

Message from Councillor Fraser:

“First, as previous speakers have noted, I’d like to thank the Musqueam health team and staff for their dedication and continuous efforts to ensure the safety and well being of our community. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our elders, youth, and community members for adhering to the provincial health guidelines and for making the sacrifices to protect all of us through this pandemic.

As a community we have proven we are strong and resilient as we have been fortunate to make it through 2020 without a positive case on-reserve; however, we knew we were not immune to this pandemic and we now have three cases on-reserve.

This is the time to take the teachings of our elders and come together even stronger. We need to support our members who have COVID-19 through one of the toughest times in their life. I implore you to be kind, compassionate and caring as a people.

Any of us can come into contact with this virus unknowingly, but we can avoid transmission if we are diligent in washing our hands, wearing a mask, and social distancing. It is important to follow the Provincial guidelines which is to stay within your own households. and do not visit others outside your immediate bubble.

As leadership we are as concerned as you are with the increase in cases within BC. This is the time we need to be diligent to follow the provincial guidelines.

We are all trying our best and we are under high anxiety and it is sometimes difficult to navigate through these situations, but working together to support each other, and being loving and kind, we will get through this. We will be able to connect and gather but we must be resilient and stick to the rules. We are so close to seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and we will get through this together.

At the present time we do not have the specific information on the vaccines but our Health Administrator and others are in continuous contact with the First Nations Health Authority and working out a plan for our community. As we move forward, we will report back when information becomes available.

Again, I want to thank each and every one of you for being there for each other, for being there for me and most of all our elders. I also raise my hands to our youth who really should be out enjoying friends, enjoying school and life, as it should be for many of us.

You have all provided the best medicine – which is to protect our elders and be respectful of the recommendations and guidelines we have in place for our community.

Stay within your own household bubble, and no visiting, please take care of yourself.

We are in this together, Musqueam. Love for all of you.”

Check the Musqueam Facebook Page and our website for the latest information and updates.

COVID-19 update for Sunday, January 10, 2021

Today’s update is from Councillor Brett Sparrow. We are happy to report, there are no new COVID-19 cases within Musqueam Reserve and the families who were in isolation after being contact traced have tested negative for COVID-19. Staff are supporting families that are in isolation to ensure they are able to safely stay home. Councillor Sparrow reminds everyone to take care of yourself so you can take care of each other ♥ stay active, connect virtually and reach out to us if you need support.

Musqueam Reserve residents are currently recommended to:

• • “stay in place” over the next 7 days while contact tracing and isolation periods are observed.
  • only leave their homes for essential services like food, water, medicine, doctors’ appointments and work.
  • refrain from social activities with people from outside their household bubble, including outdoor walking, visiting/gathering or golfing.
  • take a walk by yourself or with your household bubble while maintaining a safe distance from other household bubbles.

External contractors and other workers on Musqueam Reserve must pause services until proof of negative COVID-19 test results is provided or the current protocols are lifted. This excludes those hired as essential workers with the health and security departments.

As a community, we must re-confirm our commitment to protecting our Elders and most vulnerable residents by upholding the provincial health officer’s orders, which are extended until February 5th, 2021.

Schools remain open in BC & school bus is operating

At this time, Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s provincial health officer, has not issued any restrictions on school attendance. The choice to learn in-class or online remains with parents and guardians. Unless you are instructed to isolate by public health, children can continue to attend their school. 

The Musqueam School Bus will continue to operate and transport students to and from Southlands Elementary and Immaculate Conception School.  The school bus will still ask students to wear masks and the bus will continue to be sanitized on a regular basis.

For more information on school safety you can visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website. 

Check website and social media for updates

For the foreseeable future, administration will provide daily updates about current confirmed case numbers, support available and protocols to follow during this time. Please check here on the website and on our official Musqueam Facebook Page.

Check Musqueam’s COVID-19 news page for all of the latest posts from Musqueam Council and Administration, and visit www.musqueam.bc.ca/covid19 for a list of resources available to the Musqueam community. 

Please continue to follow important COVID-19 restrictions to keep #MusqueamStrong. Together, each doing our individual part, we will get through this pandemic stronger than ever.