Report on racism towards indigenous people in healthcare system shines a light on inequities.

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COVID-19 transmission confirmed at three Nanaimo Elementary Schools

On the same day that BC announced increased COVID-19 safety measures in schools, there have been COVID-19 transmissions confirmed at three Nanaimo elementary schools. The clusters are at Rock City, Bayview and Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh schools. The province's new safety measures mean middle school and high school students must now wear masks at all times indoors, except when they are sitting or standing at their desks. But students in elementary schools and those in grades six and seven who attend elementary schools will not have to wear masks. The Nanaimo District Teachers Association says that's just one shortfall of many in the new regulations. Association spokesperson, Jeremy Inscho gives the new measures a failing grade.

"I don't think they're meeting expectations. Very little came in today that is actually helpful. The mask mandate is only for the students who were wearing it anyways in most cases. Doing a little bit more is probably not enough, when we know the virus is doing a lot more."
—NDTA Spokesperson, Jeremy Inscho.

Inscho is welcoming the establishment of school response teams to better manage exposures and outbreaks, but he says more rapid testing is needed and communication with teachers, students and their parents must be improved.

Thursday COVID-19 update

There have been 27 new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region confirmed over the past 24 hours. Province-wide there were 6 deaths and 465 new cases.

“Overwhelming evidence of racism in this system”

Disturbing data from an investigation into racism in the health care system shows indigenous women are one and a half more times likely to develop cervical cancer. Indigenous elders and those with chronic health conditions are 89% more likely to not have a doctor to help manage those conditions. As a result, indigenous people access health care at emergency departments at rates far higher than anyone else in B.C. The report's author Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond says the data proves an unacceptable truth.

"When you combine these inequities with the overwhelming evidence of racism in this system, it's not difficult to see why health outcomes for indigenous people are poorer.
—Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond.

B.C.'s Minister of Health says steps are being taken to change that. Adrian Dix says an Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous Health has been appointed. Funding is in place for five Indigenous Health Liaison Officers and nine of 32 new Indigenous Health Representatives have been hired. And Dix says a Task Force to implement Turpel Lafond's report has been established.

"Racism is toxic for people and it's toxic for care. The situation as it exists, cannot stand. Together with indig leadership, health professionals colleagues and partners we will address systemic racism in our health care system and root out its damaging effects."
—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.

Dix is also promising cultural sensitivity training will take place in every health authority. Turpel Lafond says she will continue her involvement until, as she says "the report's recommendations have been achieved."