Information for Health Professionals

The resources on this page support managers and professionals in health care, essential services and pandemic planning and response activities in First Nations in Saskatchewan to make informed decisions and take action on COVID-19 in their communities.  

Please note: if links to information offer different advice or guidance, the Saskatchewan provincial guidelines take priority. Various sources include the Public Health Agency of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, Canada Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Transport Canada, Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and various Indigenous organizations.

Current situation in SK:

• Cases and risk of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan
• Outbreaks, facility closures and updates
• Public Health Orders in Saskatchewan

Health Facilities:

• Guidance on re-opening medical and health clinics
• FAQs for health care workers on family and support people (visitors)
• Family and support person (visitor) screening tool 
• Health care facility: posters for staff, clients and visitors
• Guidance for health care facilities
• Health care facility signs
• COVID-19 guidance for long term care facilities and nursing homes in Indigenous communities
• COVID-19 guidance for health care sector

Immunization

• Interim guidance on continuity of immunization programs during the COVID-19 pandemic

Infection Prevention and Control (including PPE)

• PPE, infection control and continuous masking 
• Putting on (donnin) PPE  Poster
• Taking off (doffing) PPE Poster
• Donning and doffing training video (Alberta Health Services)
• Infection prevention and control for COVID-19: Interim guidance for outpatient and ambulatory care settings
• Personal protective equipment against COVID
• PPE/Infection Prevention and Control: 

Mental Wellness

• Mental health support line for health care workers
• Mental wellness and COVID-19 tips and considerations for First Nations
• FNHMA videos on on the health and wellness planning guide for First Nations (YouTube)
• Mental wellness and harm reduction resources for First Nations communities (Thunderbird Partnership)
• Protecting our home fires wellness initiative (Morning Star Health Laboratory)

Pandemic Planning

• COVID-19 Pandemic Planning and Community Development toolkit

Physical Distancing

• Fact sheet/information bulletin regarding distancing practices at workplaces

Re-Open Saskatchewan: Provincial Plan and Requirements

The Re-Open Saskatchewan plan defines the public health requirements for businesses, facilities, workplaces as restrictions are lifted and is updated regularly.

• Re-open Saskatchewan guidelines : main page
• Re-open Saskatchewan : workplace information
• Re-open Saskatchewan: specific guidelines
• Re-open Saskatchewan: school guidance

Resuming Services: Community Planning Resources

• Service resumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: This planning guide offers First Nations in Saskatchewan strategic advice for re-opening and step-by-step guidance for service resumption in the community.  First Nations are encouraged to use the guide to develop or strengthen existing plans and support future decision-making in a variety of pandemic scenarios. 
• Guidance for a strategic approach to lifting restrictive public health
• Advice for essential retailers during COVID-19
• Risk mitigation tool for workplaces/businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Risk mitigation tool for outdoor recreation spaces
• Risk mitigation tool for child and youth settings
• Technical guidance on community public health measures
• Tip sheets for high-risk and essential workplaces (CCHOS)
• Guidance for safer community events on First Nations (Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs)
• The COVID-19 return to work guide for Canadian organizations
• Safety Alliance BC COVID-19 online assessment tool

Testing, Screening, Treatment and Medical Directives

• Testing, Screening, Treatment and Medical Directives 
• Expanded testing criteria public service announcement 
• Memo on prioritization of GeneXpert testing equipment and resources 
• Primary health care clinical support resources for testing and contact tracing  
• Testing information for the public: sites, criteria, results, etc.
• Testing guidance and policies for health care providers 
• Educational video on COVID-19 testing technology in Canada
• Saskatchewan COVID -19 testing self-assessment tool
• Canada COVID-19 app and self-assessment tool : 

Transportation

• Guidance on installation of a shield or enclosure system intended to protect a school bus driver from exposure to COVID-19
• Federal Guidance for School Bus Operations during 

Training Resources on Health &Safety Information

• Safety Talk – Hand Hygiene 
• Safety Alert – Hand Sanitizer 
• Safety Talk – Respiratory Hygiene 
• Safety Talk – Avoiding Dehydration 
• Safety Talk – Psychological Safety 
• Safety Talk – Reuse of Face Shields 
• Safety Talk – Home Office Ergonomics 
• Safety Talk – Physical Distancing not Social Isolation 
• Safety Alert – Oropharyngeal Swabs Vs. Nasopharyngeal Swabs 

Travelling

• Highway Hotline Map has up-to-date information on check-points

For more information, call InfoPoint – InfoPoint is designed for First Nations health managers across Canada. The InfoPoint team will work with you to find the most relevant and reliable information from our database of resources for Firs Nations health managers.

InfoPoint is available from 8 am – 8 pm ET, Monday – Friday. 

Phone: Call at 1-855-446-2719 to talk to a real person.
Email: InfoPoint@fnhma.ca