A group of northern B.C. First Nations are being made aware of a positive COVID-19 case that travelled through its region in the last two weeks.
The Nisga’a Valley Health Authority (NVHA) says the case drove through the Nass Valley area, located in Northern Health’s northwest catchment, sometime between Aug. 17 and 28 to attend a funeral.
In a statement, the organization is requesting everyone who attended the funeral between Aug. 21 and 25 to self-isolate for 14 days and that includes those who went to witness the arrival of the deceased, the memorial, funeral or settlement feast in Gitlaxt'aamiks.
If you live within the Nass Valley, you’re asked to contact the NVHA Clinic within your community and the Village Government Chief Administrative Officer.
If you live outside of Nass Valley, you’re asked to contact your own health authority and identify as a potential COVID-19 contact.
Residents are also being asked to distance themselves from anyone outside their immediate bubble and to monitor for any related COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever (37 C or above), chills, coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache and fatigue.
The NVHA serves four communities within the Nisga'a Nation: Gingolx, Gitlaxt'aamiks, Gitwinksihlkw and Laxgalts'ap.
As of Friday (Aug. 28), there are 142 positive COVID-19 cases in northern B.C. since the virus hit the region in March, including 20 active, two hospitalized and one in ICU.
Between Aug. 14 and 27, just four cases were reported in the northwest.
Haida Gwaii’s community outbreak was declared over on Friday as well with all 26 reported cases no longer requiring hospitalization or isolation.
