The Nisga’a Valley Health Authority (NVHA) has issued a notice of COVID-19 exposure at the Hoobiyee gathering that took place in the Nass Valley on March 11 and 12.
In a March 17 notice, the health authority told all who were in attendance at the Ts’oohl Ts’ap Memorial Centre in Gitwinksihlkw to self-monitor for symptoms and to isolate if they are feeling unwell.
Northern Health is no longer requiring all contacts to self-isolate after a COVID-19 exposure, provided there are no symptoms.
The exposure occurred on March 11 and 12, and NVHA said current communicable disease plans at the facility, when followed correctly, are very effective in preventing transmission.
“We strongly advise that all eligible children (ages 5 and older) and all adults in your family receive their COVID-19 vaccine as they become available,” said NVHA in a statement.
“Vaccination against COVID-19 is the best way of protecting your children, family members and school community from further exposures and infections.”
Full capacity Hoobiyee returned to the Nass Valley after two years with pandemic precautions in place.
The event is a celebration for the Nisga’a people coinciding with the waxing of the crescent moon in February or March and generally when the oolichan begin to make their return to the Nass River.
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