A COVID-19 outbreak has prompted the McLeod Lake Indian Band to enforce lockdown measures.
In a letter from Chief Harley Chingee on Wednesday (Feb. 3), an outbreak has been declared on IR #1, where three elders have been diagnosed with the virus.
Chingee says one of the elders is currently in ICU, one is being monitored at the hospital and a third is isolating at home.
The letter also says Elder Sheri Solonas passed away in the early hours of Tuesday (Feb. 2) due to COVID-19 complications.
"I offer my condolences to her family," Chingee said.
"In order to assist the Health Team, Emergency Management and the Administration, lockdown measures have been put in place to protect our community members. This includes the closure of the MLIB offices and TFF, in addition to a mandatory stay-at-home order. Please understand these measures are only in effect to protect us all and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our most vulnerable members in the community."
Sadly, Elder Sheri Solonas passed away from COVID-19 complications in the early hours of Feb. 2, 2021 Chingee says. 'Please understand that these measures are only in effect to protect us all and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our most vulnerable members.' #covid19 @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/3FGT7kCdpv
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) February 4, 2021
Chingee says he has already received requests for special exemptions and permission to leave the reserve.
"I cannot give this permission," he replied. "All of us need to comply with the rules."
If members have medical appointments that require leave, they are asked to contact Kim Harmison at 778-363-1227.
Chingee also issued a warning to members who are breaking conditions and protocols, saying they're risking the possibility of not being allowed back onto the reserve for the remainder of the lockdown and/or having distributions withheld.
"While I appreciate and thank the majority of members who are actively working to comply with these orders there are some who not. Let me be clear: for members who refuse to adhere to the current stay-at-home orders, you will risk not being allowed back in the reserve for the remainder of the lockdown and/or having distributions withheld."
All essential services, including groceries, will be brought to TFF and given to households on Friday.
As of this publication (Feb. 4), Northern Health has recorded 3,558 COVID-19 cases since March last year, which has included 85 deaths linked to the virus, 18 of which have occurred in the past six days.
There are currently 17 people in critical care or ICU out of 18 total hospitalizations, 365 active infections and 3,100 recoveries.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is scheduled to provide a written update after 3 p.m. today and more news on the current public health orders tomorrow morning (Feb. 5).
A letter was sent to McLeod Lake Indian Band members on Feb. 3 advising of lockdown measures being put in place. By McLeod Lake Indian Band/Facebook
