COVID-19 and Opioid Crisis Cases out of Control: FNLC calls on the Government of BC to Implement Further Measures to Combat Dual Pandemics

November 25, 2020

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) — The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is calling on the government of British Columbia to take increased and immediate action to fully address the COVID-19 pandemic and the equally
devastating opioid crisis. Existing public health orders and measures being taken to prevent and respond to positive COVID-19 cases have not yet been successful in flattening the curve. We cannot afford to have COVID-19 cases to continue to rise exponentially in British Columbia.

First Nations governments play a critical role in protecting the health and well-being of their members; however, the Province has still not yet provided community-specific proximate data regarding the locations of positive cases and community transmission levels. More information is urgently required to inform sound decision-making, management of resources and facilities, and cooperation with other governments and health authorities.