(Two First Nations are reporting cases of COVID-19. APTN file)
Officials are dealing with more novel coronavirus cases in two First Nations — one in Ontario and one in Alberta.
The new case in Six Nations of the Grand River brings the total number of confirmed cases there to 15, Ohsweken Public Health Officials said in a release Tuesday.
And the Samson Cree Nation in central Alberta is warning that a non-resident member who visited Maskwacis and Ma-Me-O Beach has tested positive for COVID-19. They did not provide a timeline.
In both cases the patients are self-isolating and officials said contact tracing is underway to alert community members to possible exposure and the need to get tested.
There are presently no active cases in Maskwacis.
SEE OUR MAP OF COVID-19 CASES HERE.
However, non-essential programs and services have been closed there for two weeks as a precaution.
“During the closure, all face-to-face meetings are prohibited and the council chambers will remain closed,” said a memo posted on Facebook Monday. “Please organize all meetings virtually.”
In Six Nations territory, the health services director said the new case sends a strong message.
“We’ve all been getting a little more comfortable going about our day-to-day activities since entering stage two of the recovery plan,” said Lori Davis Hill, “but this latest confirmed case is a stark reminder that the virus is still in and around Six Nations Territory.”
With files from The Canadian Press
