Treaty Three Police Service, KCA, WNHAC Participating in COVID-19 Pilot Project
From: General Headquarters
Date: Dec. 14, 2020
(KENORA) – Members of the Treaty Three Police Services Have been receiving rapid COVID-19 testing as part of a pilot project in conjunction with Kenora Chiefs Advisory (KCA) and Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig (WNHAC). The Employer Antigen Screening Pilot assesses the value of the PanbioTM antigen test as a screening tool to support employee safety and business continuity in a variety of workplaces. Results from this pilot will support an increased understanding of how rapid antigen testing could be deployed more broadly to support provincial COVID-19 response activities.
The PanbioTM is a rapid point-of-care antigen test, meaning that it can be performed anywhere (i.e., on-site, at the place of employment) by a regulated health professional and does not require shipping a specimen to a lab for processing. It is currently administered through a nasopharyngeal swab and takes approximately 15 minutes to yield results.
“This pilot project enables us to provide an added layer of protection for our Treaty #3 communities,” says Chief of Police Kai Liu. “I commend all our staff for participating in this important project as we continue to analyze preventative measures of COVID-19. This health initiative has come together as the result of a strong collaborative partnership with Kenora Chiefs Advisory, Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig, and Ontario Ministry of Health, with a special appreciation to Grand Council Treaty #3 for their continued advocacy of health safety in our communities.”
“I am delighted to see that our Treaty Three Police service is part of the pilot program to assess rapid testing for COVID-19. It is great to know that this testing is taking place right here in the northwest and I truly appreciate the volunteer efforts by Treaty Three Police leadership and staff to partake in this important learning for rapid testing. Miigwetch.” Greg Rickford, MPP Kenora-Rainy River – Minister of Indigenous Affairs & Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines.
The testing began Dec. 9 and will be performed weekly at the partner agencies until March 31st, 2021 at which time the project is expected to end.
The Ontario government will continue to monitor Health Canada approval of additional rapid testing devices for potential implementation within this pilot program in the future.
The Treaty Three Police Service is a self-administered Policing entity under the First Nations Policing Program in Canada and is responsible for full policing duties spanning 55,000 square miles of the Greater Treaty Three Region in Northwestern Ontario. This includes approximately 20,000 residents in 23 First Nation Communities.
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Contact:
Acting Staff Sergeant Tricia Rupert
Pandemic Coordinator
Treaty Three Police Service
Tel: (807) 548-5474
