Community Release

COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule: April Update

by Brandon Hoffman

As Easter weekend comes to a close we want to thank you all for staying home and keeping your community safe. We know how difficult it is to spend another holiday away from friends and family and we appreciate your efforts to ensure everyone’s health and well-being. We would like to remind everyone that all non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel within B.C. and between regions of the province. Members of the public should not be traveling for a vacation or to visit friends and family outside of their immediate household or core bubble. Essential travel is classified as regular travel for work or travel for medical appointments. Whenever possible, please stay home.

Vaccine Clinics: April 7th, 8th and 9th.

If you identify as Aboriginal and are 18 years or older, living in the Williams Lake area, you can call 250 267 3298 to schedule your vaccination over the next few days. The call line is open 8.30am – 4.30pm from April 6th – 9th and the clinic will run from 8.30am – 4.30pm from the 7th – 9th. When you call, you will be given an appointment date, time and the location of the Vaccine Clinic. You must have an appointment as there will be no drop-in service available. If you miss out this time, other clinics will be held over the upcoming months.

OFF-RESERVE MEMBERS, STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES

We have recently received 200 first-doses for Off-Reserve Members, as well as Staff and Representatives. If you are a WLFN member living off-reserve, but in the Sugar Cane or Williams Lake area, contact Three Corners Health Station at 250 305 4162 to schedule your vaccination appointment or register for your appointment online using this link. Staff and representatives of WLFN must book through Three Corners.

AWAITING YOUR SECOND VACCINATION?

We know many of you have received your first dose and are waiting to be contacted in regards to your second. Since our first batch of vaccinations were administered, the recommended time between doses has been extended from 30 days to 130 days to ensure as many people as possible can receive the first dose of the vaccine. Studies have shown this is the best way to reduce the rate of transmission as quickly as possible – which hopefully means we are able to go back to a more normal way of life as soon as possible. If you are awaiting your second dose, we will be in contact with you as soon as we receive the next batch of vaccinations, which should be available to us by May.

Mental Health is important too

During these uncertain times, taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. The Health Centre located at Sugarcane has two clinicians available on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. If anyone feels like they’re struggling, please reach out and book an appointment at 250 296 3532.

REMINDER OF NEW PROVINCE WIDE RESTRICTIONS

As of March 29th – April 19th, there are several new restrictions in place:

  • Indoor religious gatherings and worship services are suspended.
  • Indoor exercise classes are cancelled.
  • Restaurants, pubs and bars are closed for indoor dining. Outdoor patio seating and take-out or delivery is allowed.
  • Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is closed.