Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 cases at Saugeen First Nation.
He says there are 71 known cases and five people from the First Nation are hospitalized.
He is calling for volunteers, saying they have about 15 so far.
Anoquot says food is being moved from the Rec Centre over to the old Band Office where there is a fridge and freezer. He says food will be delivered to those in isolation through the old band office.
The Red Cross has been contacted and Anoquot says they’ll have four or five indigenous volunteers from there, and the United Way and St. John’s Ambulance are helping as well. Food baskets are being prepared and will be delivered.
“The Rec Centre is being set up for the transient people so that they have a place to stay and self-isolate. There will be cots and beds made available there,” says Anoquot in a video message to the community.
He says, “It’s very important that we self isolate, it’s important that you get a vaccination. We’re having a mass vaccination on Friday and we expect to have at least 80 per cent of the community vaccinated.”
Anoquot says a field hospital has been set up at the Rec Centre as well.
“Please do not gather in large groups. Try not to gather at all if you can. This is an isolated case within our community and we’re trying to contain it within our community if we can,” says Anoquot.
He says, “Self-isolate, wash your hands and wear a mask continually in public.”