Ohsweken Public Health pleads for people to get tested, self-isolate if they attended gatherings

Ohsweken Public Health says it's pleading with community members to seek immediate testing for COVID-19 if they attended any gathering outside of their immediate household, whether they were masked or not.

It's also asking the household members and anyone who has come into contact with people that attended a gathering to get tested too.

"The recent high number of positive cases is extremely concerning and Ohsweken Public Health is providing this information to prevent further spread of COVID-19 within the community," reads a Six Nations Health Services media release.

Six Nations of the Grand Riverhas recorded 79 active cases of COVID-19 as of Friday, after only having 37active cases on Thursday. According to data on its website, there has been 71 new cases in the past seven days.

Supports available for self-isolation

Those who attended gatherings in the last two weeks are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days. The countdown starts from the "last day of attendance."

Community members can access supports to successfully self-isolate, says the release, which includes laundry, cleaning supplies, groceries, water, mental health supports, personal protective equipment, personal care items, and traditional supports.

These needs can be identified on the phone to the assessment centre, which can be reached 1-855-977-7737or226-446-9909. People can also call Ohsweken Public Health at 519-445-2672.

"It is important to realize that people who have had exposure to COVID-19 can spread the infection even before they know they have COVID-19," reads the release.

Book tests online, or by phone

The release says people who are experiencing symptoms, even mild ones, need to seek testing as soon as possible and self-isolate while waiting for the test results. Those contacted by public health must remain in self-isolation until cleared.

To access COVID-19 tests, there is anonline booking service for any community members experiencing symptoms or who feel they may have engaged in high-risk activities making them susceptible to the virus.

Those who cannot use the online booking service are encouraged to call the assessment centre.