COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know this week

There have been 57 new cases of COVID-19 reported in First Nations reserves across Canada since lastweek, according to data from Indigenous Services Canada.

New cases continue to climb in northern British Columbia and Manitoba following outbreaks reported in Nak'azdli Whut'en First Nation, Witset First Nation, and York Factory First Nation. There are a total of 128 active cases currently in First Nations across the country as of Sept. 28.

There have been a total of 673 cases on-reserve since the pandemic started. Three additional hospitalizations were reported since last weekbringing the total to 54. The death toll remains at 11, and a total of 534 First Nations people have recovered from the disease.

Total cases on First Nations reserves per region reported as of Sept. 28:

• British Columbia: 151
• Alberta: 288
• Saskatchewan: 97
• Manitoba: 20
• Ontario: 70
• Quebec: 47

Top COVID-19 stories

• The COVID-19 pandemic may delay the Liberal government's pledge to end long-term boil water advisories on First Nations. A senior government source told CBC News the Liberals are not as comfortable with the March 2021 target date they set, as they were before COVID-19 hit.

• A family of seven from York Factory First Nation in northern Manitoba tested positive for COVID-19, the first cases in the community 700 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Chief Leroy Constant says the family was exposed to the virus while in Winnipeg for medical care.

• After a large outbreak of COVID-19 in northwestern Saskatchewan earlier this year the most serious of any Indigenous community in Canada health officials and local leaders are relying on what they learned during the three-month ordeal to plan for potential outbreaks in other remote, rural areas.

• Nak'azdli Whut'en First Nation and the Witset First Nation in northern B.C. see a spike in COVID-19 cases.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

• new or worsening cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• temperature equal to or over 38C
• feeling feverish
• chills
• fatigue or weakness
• muscle or body aches
• new loss of smell or taste
• headache
• gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
• feeling very unwell

If you think you may have COVID-19, please consult your local health department to book an appointment at a screening clinic.

CBC Indigenous is looking to hear from First Nations, Mtis, and Inuit who have contracted COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, please emailus.