COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know

Over 68per cent of adults in First Nations communities have received at least one dose ofCOVID-19 vaccine, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.

To date, a total of 416,106vaccine doses, including 134,740 second doses, have been administered in 690First Nations and Inuit communities. The percentage is based on Statistics Canada's 2021population projections.

Read more about vaccination efforts to vaccinate urban Indigenous populations in Ontario:

• Urban Indigenous people in Ontario now eligible for 2nd COVID-19 shot 3-4 weeks after 1st dose

Active cases

There were 820 active cases in First Nations as of May 11, an increase of 59 cases from a week prior, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.

The majority of new infections were reported primarily on the Prairies, with 238 new cases in Alberta and 160 new cases in Manitoba since last week.Nunavut is reporting 69 active cases in Iqaluit as of May 12.

"This pandemic isn't over, and we can't let our guards down," said Marc Miller, minister of Indigenous Services Canada, on Wednesday during a news briefing.

"We're making progress with vaccinations and it's a relief to see the overall number of cases go down over the past four months coupled with the enforcement of public health measures. The trend over the last few days has been not so good so we need to reverse the upswing by not letting up or being complacent."

Total cases in First Nations communities per region reported as of May 11:

• British Columbia: 3,007
• Alberta: 8,103
• Saskatchewan: 6,742
• Manitoba: 7,518
• Ontario: 2,004
• Quebec: 728
• Atlantic: 16

Pandemic stories:

• Wood chopping and frozen trucks: Report shows successes, challenges in military's First Nations COVID response
• With 14 days in the bush, Cree man lives ultimate COVID-19 quarantine

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.

CBC Indigenous is looking to hear from First Nations, Mtis, and Inuit who have contracted COVID-19 or lost a loved one to COVID-19. If you would like to share your story, please email us at indigenous@cbc.ca.