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End of Chisasibi sewage investigation

Summary

On August 2, 2021, Public Health detected a low signal of the COVID-19 coronavirus during a regular screening test of sewage in Chisasibi. The follow-up tests and samples have been negative to date.

Content

This initial result was investigated through further samples and tests of sewage in the community.  

The follow-up tests and samples have been negative to date. At this time, Public Health suspects the August 2 result was a false positive.  

As of today there are no known active COVID-19 cases detected in Chisasibi. CBHSSJB Public Health will continue to work with community partners to monitor and interpret sewage samples, and will keep the community informed.

Community recommendations and guidelines remain at Phase 4. Consult your local government for any additional measures.

Layers of protective measures work together 

The Cree Board of Health reminds community members to continue to take precautions to keep themselves and those around them safe. This includes respecting existing community health recommendations:

  • Wear a mask when needed that covers the mouth and nose 
  • Wash your hands often
  • Practice physical distancing
  • Make choices to limit your visits, gatherings, and the amount of contact you have with others

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms (such as a cough, shortness of breath, fever, runny nose), please call your local CMC to arrange for a COVID-19 test as soon as possible.

If you haven t been vaccinated yet against COVID-19, or have received one dose, please take the time now to get the vaccine, to protect yourself and others around you. Vaccination is available by appointment at local CMCs.

Meegwetch to community members for continuing to practice appropriate precautions every day. 

What is sewage screening? 

Sewage surveillance for the COVID-19 virus is happening in Chisasibi as part of a pilot project to assess the value of this approach to monitor disease activity in Eeyou Istchee.  

The Covid-19 virus can be shed in stool during and after a Covid-19 infection. Testing sewage can help give an early signal that COVID-19 has entered a community. It can t determine who is infected, or where the infection came from. It is a complementary approach to other actions (like testing people for COVID-19). 

 

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ᓂᑑᒋᔅᒑᔨᐦᑎᑖᐤ ᒫᔮᐦᐳᐃ
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Sewage testing is a early-warning system to detect Covid-19 in communities. Chisasibi is running a pilot project this year to try out the technology in Eeyou Istchee. 

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Learn about the new phases of the pandemic. The measures described in each phase are general. Check with your community for specific measures.

 

Questions?

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