The Piapot First Nation is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak.
The declaration was made Sunday by Indigenous Services Canada, as the First Nation has approximately 36 active infections.
“[It] is critical that members do not go around visiting others. This is how the virus has been spreading. Households with five or more members are most at risk, and are the reason these cases have been increasing so quickly,” said Piapot First Nation Chief Mark Fox. “Someone goes out and gets infected, and then they bring it back home where everyone in that household then gets sick. We need to think about our elders, our little ones and those who could easily die from the sickness.”
Fox said since November, the First Nation has had 70 COVID-19 cases. Leadership asks residents not to go to other houses, unless absolutely necessary, follow all public health requirements and to eliminate all non-essential travel.
“Piapot Health Services will help those that have tested positive for COVID-19. This could include two weeks of food for you and your family cleaning supplies and drinking water,” stated Fox. “Each person must take the responsibility to do what we need to do to protect our loved ones. We need to work together to get this under control. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are not self isolating, you could be fined by the RCMP.”
The First Nation administration office, local school and daycares will remain closed until further notice.