The Chief of the Clearwater River Dene Nation is encouraging members to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as the virus spreads through the community.
Chief Teddy Clark said approximately 28 percent of the eligible population has at least one dose, while about 14 percent are fully immunized.
He explained that some infected people are not self-isolating, further exasperating the situation.
Enforcing any level of restrictions in an effort to reduce new cases is difficult, as the province removed all public health measures and the emergency mandate July 11.
Clark suspects the province did not consider the low vaccine uptake in the Far North, compared to higher rates in the southern half of the province before removing restrictions.
“I think the government should have waited a little more in removing all restrictions,” Clark said. “It all kind of open everything up.”
He explained the lifting of restrictions has put people’s guard down, as gatherings are up. “Too quick, too soon.”
The province has balked at re-introducing new localized restrictions to curb the spread of the virus, opting to put individual responsibility to self-isolate to those who test positive. After giving confusing messaging on a CBC Regina radio interview on restrictions last week, Health Minister Paul Merriman clarified that those who defy public health directions to isolate could be fined $2800.
An outbreak of COVID-19 is not new to the Clearwater River Dene Nation and the Village of La Loche.
In spring 2020, cases started to appear, linked to travel from the oilsands in Alberta. Soon, the virus would spread to the long-term care facility in La Loche and overcrowded homes in the Clearwater River Dene Nation. The province responded by banning non-essential travel to the north, implemented rapid testing in the area and brought in temporary shelters for those seeking to quarantine. The outbreak saw nearly 300 people infected and five deaths.
Clark said Chief and Council are contemplating mobility restrictions, but have meetings this week with Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett to determine what can be done from a federal point of view to help curb cases.
Clark explained that restrictions are proven to be effective. While community members may resist any new restrictions, Clark is urging people to get immunized. “If they don’t want any lockdown, they don’t want any restrictions then they need to get their vaccinations.”