COVID-19

This page is OKIB's official source of information for members regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Please bookmark this page and check back daily for updates.

COVID-19 Testing and Positive Test Results

February 8, 2021 - This fact sheet from FNHA provides information on COVID-19 testing for First Nations people in BC, including information on what to do and what supports are available if you test positive for COVID-19.

If you have received notification that you have COVID-19, please see Question Five in the FAQ for more information. Refer to Questions Three and Four for information on how to self-isolate and access support services.

And if you have received notification that you have COVID-19 please ensure you call the OKIB Nurse Hotline as we may be able to help. Call 250-241-7595.

To get your name on the vaccination list please call 250-542-5094.

Read the complete fact sheet here: COVID-19 Testing and Positive Test Results

Call OKIB Health to get on the vaccination list

January 22, 2021 - OKIB Health is compiling the list of members who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.

Staff are working diligently to prepare to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics so that we can distribute the vaccine quickly when it becomes available. At this time we do not know how many doses will be delivered nor when we will receive them. Over time we will receive enough COVID-19 vaccine for all members.

A priority list for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine has been established that is consistent with both Interior Health and First Nations Health Authority guidelines. The priority list is:

OKIB seniors age 65 and older living on and off reserve.
Front line OKIB staff.
OKIB members and staff.

Vaccinations will take place in the Bluebird/Golden Eagle Building where a COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be arranged. Members will be called and asked to come at an appointed time. Our goal is to vaccinate at least 90 per cent of members as vaccine becomes available.

Your patience and continued good will is appreciated as we develop our processes in preparation for the vaccination clinics. Please continue to practice lateral kindness and follow the COVID-19 protocols:

Wash your hand regularly and avoid touching your face.
Practice social distancing of 2 m / 6 ft.
Wear a mask in public.
Avoid our Elders and vulnerable people.
Do not host or attend parties or gatherings.
Stay home. Avoid visiting outside of your immediate household.
No visitors, or having visits with anyone you do not live with or anyone outside your household bubble.

Several confirmed cases of COVID-19 in community

Chief Byron Louis reminds members to continue following the COVID-19 protocols

My COVID-19 Story by Rachel Marchand

January 13, 2021 - OKIB's first COVID-19 patient tells her story.

COVID-19 Community Update January 13, 2021

January 13, 2021 - The COVID-19 Community Update is available to OKIB members only. Follow this link to read it.

FNHA Provides Information About the Safety and Efficacy of the Vaccines

January 13, 2021 - Follow this link to read about the vaccines and their effectiveness from the First Nations Health Authority.

Definitive Reference for Vaccines

January 8, 2021 - Follow this link to read about the vaccines and their effectiveness from the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Additional COVID-19 resources from OKIB Health

OKIB Health has introduced several beneficial resources that speak to COVID-19 and what to do in the event a person develops respiratory / COVID-19 like symptoms. Please take some time to review and become familiar with these resources.

These are great resources for those seeking to answer the following questions:

I have respiratory symptoms, what should I do?
Should I go to work?
Should I send my children to school?
What if I am not the one sick but a family member is, what do I need to do?
If I am sick, how long do I need to self-isolate for? When can I go back to work? When can I send my children back to school?
What do I need to do if I decide not to test for COVID-19?
What do I need to do if I do decide to test for COVID-19?
If I do want to test for COVID who can I call and where is it done?

Please take a moment to review these resources, as I believe they will answer a lot of questions. Furthermore, and most importantly, it explains what a person would be required to do to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 within our community.

Let’s keep our community safe by being informed.

Way̓ lim ləmtx I Thank you

Amber Froste, RN
OKIB Community Health Nurse