The Athabasca Health Authority said it expects increased COVID-19 infections in the Northern Saskatchewan community of Fond du Lac, as some people are flouting current restrictions.
The health authority in a Facebook posts said “Close contacts and people who are sick with symptoms of Covid-19 are refusing to be tested,” and “people who have been directed to self-isolate because they have tested positive with Covid-19 or have had close contact with Covid-19 are not self-isolating, are out in the public. Many of these people are frequenting the Northern Store and other areas of the community putting EVERYONE at risk.”
Derek Keller, Executive Director of Primary Health Care Athabasca Health Authority said “People who are sick with symptoms of Covid-19 are not self-isolating at home before being tested,” Keller explained.
“People who are self-isolating at home are allowing visitors into their homes and exposing these visitors to the virus.”
The First Nation is on the downward trend, only reporting two new cases over the weekend.
As well, 11 people have recovered since Friday bringing the active case count to 52.
However, 325 people are considered close contacts.
Keller said that he is aware of a house party last week where over 50 people attended. He calls this a potential super spreader in Fond du Lac.
“Whether you believe this virus is real or not, we all have an obligation to follow the Public Health Orders that the Federal and Provincial Governments have enacted. These have been implemented for everyone’s safety including our Elders and Young Children,” Keller said.
“We all need to comply with these restrictions for at least 3 more weeks if we are going to get these infections down to ZERO. This will take a commitment from everyone in the community not just some of you.”