Update on Community Pandemic Operations
Moose Factory
Issued By: Moose Factory Public Health Centre
Date: Tuesday November 10, 2009
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Update: # 14

Severity Level for the Community Remains At: ‘Moderate to Severe’

Surveillance:

Local Flu Statistics (WGH, Schools, MCFN Staff): FOR ACCURATE STATISTICS PLEASE VISIT THE MOOSE CREE FIRST NATION WEBSITE.
The numbers for student absenteeism and patients treated at the WGH appear to be decreasing. Also, a quick survey of the MCFN staff indicates that the flu situation is improving in this area of the community. Again, although the numbers may indicate that our community is on its way to recovery, we CANNOT let our guards down yet.

Peak Period for the H1N1 Influenza:
Based on medical research, influenza patterns and when we received our 1st lab confirmed case of the H1N1 Virus on October 16/09, the H1N1 Influenza is predicted to be at it’s ‘Peak’ on Friday November 13/09.

H1N1 Flu Immunization Clinic: Approximately 1,100 (69%of our target) community members have now been vaccinated. H1N1 Immunizations Clinics are being held at the EPR Centre on;
■Tuesday November 10th 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
■Thursday November 12th 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please call the Health Centre at 658 4220 to make an appointment so that we are prepared with the right amount of vaccine.

It has been 13 or 14 days since we started the vaccinations and we are seeing some positive results from the vaccine.

Community Gatherings & Events

The CEPCG have received many requests to continue with public gatherings. However, our main role is to assess the statistics and determine our position on the severity index. We are happy to see the decrease in ILI in our community but will wait until Friday Nov 13 to re-evaluate as we feel it is important to collect more data to reassure and confirm that our community pandemic is resolving. At this time we remain at a Moderate to Severe level which addresses public gatherings as follows: Permitting essential gatherings / events only and postpone / cancel all other public events.

All local gatherings or events that proceed this week are done so at the discretion and decision of the event organizers and facility management.

For the love and well-being of our family, especially our children, we all need to:
●Keep washing our hands frequently
●Cough and sneeze in to our sleeves or kleenex
●Sanitize our hands in public places,
●Stay home when you have flu-like symptoms
● Take your medication and vitamins as prescribed by your doctor.

The improved community flu statistics are a direct result of your safe health prevention habits….keep up the excellent work.

If you need to speak with the Public Health Centre staff during the weekday, please call the Pandemic Control Centre at 658 – 4100 or the Health Centre at 658 4220. For any other emergencies please call the Emergency Department at the Hospital.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts.

Take care.