COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: Over 62 per cent of First Nations and Inuit fully vaccinated

Over 62 per cent of people aged 12 and up in First Nations and Inuit communities and the territories are now fully vaccinated for COVID-19, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.

As of the end of July, over 85 per cent of that eligible population had received at least one dose of vaccine.

There have been 701,228 vaccine doses administered to individuals aged 12 and older in 687 First Nations and Inuit communities, including 281,188 second doses.

Top pandemic stories in Indigenous communities

• Yukon woman who fought 'for her life' with COVID-19 begs others to get vaccinated
• Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation hosts annual powwow as pandemic restrictions lift
• Northern Saskatchewan First Nation enters lockdown over growing COVID-19 outbreak
• Sask. First Nation calls for nurses, health orders due to COVID-19 outbreak
• FSIN calls on province to assist Buffalo River Dene Nation in halting COVID-19 outbreak

Active cases

As of Aug. 2, there were 286 active cases of the virus in First Nations. The majority of new infections were reported in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 33,152 cases in First Nations communities. A total of 381 First Nations people living on-reserve have died from the virus, with five deaths reported in the last two weeks.

Total hospitalizations climbed to 1,591, and the number of First Nations people who have recovered from the disease is now at 32,485.

Total cases in First Nations communities per region reported as of August 2:

• British Columbia: 3,167
• Alberta: 9,007
• Saskatchewan: 8,092
• Manitoba: 9,172
• Ontario: 2,930
• Quebec: 761
• Atlantic: 23

WATCH Métis dancers from Portage la Prairie, Man., gathered with family to celebrate the easing of restrictions:

Métis dancers celebrate easing of Manitoba restrictions with jigging

3 years ago

Duration 1:24

A few Métis dancers from Portage la Prairie, Man., gathered with family recently to celebrate the easing of restrictions in the province with some jigging and jamming.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

• New or worsening cough.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Temperature equal to or over 38 C.
• Feeling feverish.
• Chills.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Muscle or body aches.
• New loss of smell or taste.
• Headache.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting).
• Feeling very unwell.

If you think you may have COVID-19, please consult your local health department to book an appointment at a screening clinic.