Siksika Health Services Public Service Announcement

August 26, 2021

Notice Re: Confirmed Cases and Potential Exposures to COVID-19 Related to the 2021 Alberta Indigenous Games (AIG) in Edmonton

The Alberta Indigenous Games (AIG) were held in Edmonton, Alberta from August 12-19, 2021. Siksika Health Services is aware that some of our Nation members attended and/or participated in the games; this notice is to advise of potential risk of COVID-19 exposure at AIG venues, and recommended actions to help prevent further spread of the virus.

At this time, a number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified in various communities across Alberta and Saskatchewan that are connected to the Alberta Indigenous Games, as determined by contact tracing efforts. All of these cases are either confirmed or believed to be individuals who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Siksika Health Services recommends that people who attended and/or participated in the games monitor for symptoms for 14 days following the last day you were at an AIG venue. If you feel unwell or have any new symptoms or change in symptoms like a cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle/joint aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, altered smell or taste, stay home and get tested as quickly as possible.

If you are experiencing illness symptoms, or you have no symptoms but are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 while at the event(s), please get tested for COVID-19.

Testing is available by drive-thru between 10:00am-1:00pm daily, or by calling the COVID-19 Response Unit (CRU) dispatch at 403-734-5688, 7 days per week. If someone needs to speak to or meet with a doctor, they can call the medical clinic at 403-734-5690/5691.

It remains a requirement at this time to isolate if you have new and/or worsening illness symptoms, or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19. Siksika Health Services also strongly recommends isolating if you’re a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This is to help prevent spread of the virus by reducing the number of people that an ill person comes in contact with during the time they may be contagious.

The best way to protect yourself, your family, your co-workers, and your friends from all current and future strains of COVID-19 is to get fully vaccinated. COVID-19 immunization is available to Siksika Nation members 12+ (including those who will be turning 12 in 2021), and for those who live or work in Siksika or its surrounding communities on a walk-in basis at the Siksika Health & Wellness Centre from 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday (no appointments required).

Mobile (including in-home) immunization is also available through Siksika Healths Aisokinakio’p Immunization Special Forces vehicle. In-home appointments can be scheduled by calling Siksika Home Care at 403-734-5695.