Opening Ceremony for Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project Press Release

COVID-19 Resources and Information

This page has information related to the global COVID-19 pandemic, including how to stay safe, common symptoms of the virus and specific resources for Hesquiaht  members and their families.

Hesquiaht  leadership and administration are working together to ensure that our community is prepared and supported during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hesquiaht  administration office has been closed since the beginning of COVID-19. All but essential staff have been instructed to work from home during regular working hours. Traffic information checkpoints are operating at entrances to the main Hesquiaht  reserve (IR 2) and access is still limited to Hesquiaht  members, residents, staff and essential services.

Read latest COVID-19 updates

Check the First Nation Health Authority Page for the Latest news updates on COVID-19 news page 

 The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are to:

    • wash your hands often with soap for 20-seconds
    • disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly
    • wear a mask when you are in public spaces and cannot maintain a safe physical distance
    • stay home if you are feeling sick
    • maintain physical distance from people outside of your bubble (keep at least a 2 metre distance/6 to 10 feet from everyone)

Hesquiaht  Values during COVID-19

In challenging times, it is important for us, as Hesquiaht  people, to turn to our community values and shared vision for our future. This is especially true now, while the world responds to the very serious threat of COVID-19 and we work to keep all of Hesquiaht safe.

As a close-knit community with a vulnerable population, we must follow public health regulations to ensure a bright future for generations to come. We must also be guided by the wisdom and teachings of our Elders and ancestors, and remember that our individual actions will impact our community around us.

Staying Safe & Protecting Each Other

We are in the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in BC, along with the regular cold and flu season. It is time we regroup,  prepare and refocus our efforts to keep the number of new cases low and slow. This means using our layers of protection (see below image) and making them a part of our daily lives.

 

Tips for keeping each other safe:

  • Maintain a small social bubble
  • Wear a mask when you are inside and in close contact with people
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Respect other people’s boundaries and give them space to stay safe
  • Remind family members and friends – we need to take care of each other. Now is not the time to visit in person.
  • It is hard to tell the difference between allergies, a cold, the flu and COVID-19. Please stay home if you are sick and protect everyone around you.

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you notice symptoms, please isolate and get tested. Symptoms include:

    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Cough, or worsening of chronic cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Sore throat
    • Runny nose
    • Loss of smell

Visit the BCCDC’s website for a full list of symptoms. If you live on reserve and are experiencing symptoms, please call the Community Health Nurse