FORT CHIPEWYAN ISOLATION CARE CENTER IS CLOSING ON APRIL 15, 2022
(April 4, 2022, Fort McMurray, AB) – Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is announcing that it will be closing the Fort Chipewyan Isolation Care Center on April 15, 2022. Other supports will still be available to community members who need assistance with COVID-19 exposure and symptoms.
The Fort Chipewyan Isolation Care Center was a collaboration between Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, Fort Chipewyan Métis Association, First Nations and Inuit Health, and Indigenous Services Canada in a partnership with the Nunee Health Board Society. The Centre first opened its doors on May 16, 2020, and was managed by ATC in collaboration with Medika North which facilitated medical services. The Center successfully supported community members for nearly two years to serve the COVID 19 isolation needs of Fort Chipewyan.
"The Fort Chipewyan Isolation Care Center was established during a time of uncertainty in how our rural communities would be supported if an outbreak occurred," said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council. "The risks to community health due to COVID-19 have not changed, but the support systems for communities have increased, allowing us to be confident in the ability to support community members if they have tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19."
Non-vaccinated community members' referral to the Isolation Care Center ended on April 2, 2022. Vaccinated community members will continue to be referred to the Isolation Care Center until April 7, 2022. This will ensure that all community members at the Center are able to fully complete their isolation period before the Fort Chipewyan Isolation Care Center closes. ATC is still managing and operating the Urban Isolation Care Center in Fort McMurray that all ATC First Nations community members may access if needed.
Community members in the Fort Chipewyan area who require assistance with safe self-isolation can call the Nunee Health Centre at 780-697-3650 to discuss their needs. All other community members in the Wood Buffalo region should contact their Nation's health department for a referral to the Urban Isolation Care Center should they need assistance with safe self-isolation. The First Nation communities will work together with the ATC Health Department to process intakes.
For more information:
Karla Buffalo
CEO, Athabasca Tribal Council
email: karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca