Covid-19
Please visit the gnb website for more information about the Mandatory Mask policy
Tobique took quick response to the Covid-19 pandemic, suspending many of it’s social gatherings and businesses moving down to essential staff in March of 2020. Following the government of New Brunswick guidelines, we additionally created a check point at the entrance of the reserve to monitor and restrict Tobique off to non-essential visitors and began screen residents coming in as well implementing a curfew.
At the advise of the Neqotkuk Health Center, a plan to protect elders and those vulnerable to the virus were developed, kits were delivered to all community members which included PPE (personal protection equipment) hand sanitizer and cleaning products. Tobique encouraged it’s residents to learn and promote identifying Covid-19 symptoms, and follow recommended safety guidelines including social distancing.
Neqotkuk had it’s first cases of Covid-19 within the community in January of 2021. The Chief and Council acted quickly to take precautionary measures and moved the band into red phase, restricting access to community members and essential services. Fortunately, being able to isolate the effected individuals quickly stopped the spread in the community, unfortunately since the spike of cases in Perth Andover there has been more cases of Covid within the community, but they have been steadily declining.
Neqotkuk has been offering the Covid-19 vaccines to it’s members, and is now offering booster shots to those who have been vacinated for 6 months. Please contact the Neqotkuk Health Center for more information on the vaccine. We urge our community members to get vaccinated and continue to act with caution and wear masks when out in public.
More in-depth information and updates from Tobique regarding Covid-19, please visit our Facebook page:
Tobique Covid-19 Information Page
Tobique’s Covid-19 response was also noted in CBC news and The Globe & Mail articles:
CBC News – Overcrowding, vulnerable population make COVID-19 big worry for First Nations
Other Resources:
Government of Canada Resources
WHO (World Health Organization) Resources
How to wear a non-medical face mask or face covering properly