Band officials have closed the Canoe Lake First Nation school for the rest of the week after one person in the community was diagnosed with the H1N1 strain of influenza.
Chief Robert Opikokew says it is a precautionary move since many people in the community attended a recent wake at the school.
He says the facility is being disinfected and classes are expected to resume next week.
“They will be all back on Monday and we’re just taking precautionary measures and even our daycare, we have to disinfect everything.”
He adds, “This virus is really scary for the people and we’re not trying to get the people panicking or anything, we’re just trying to explain the situation and how deadly this virus is.”
Anyone who wants more information can contact the Canoe Lake band office or the local clinic.
Officials with the northern health regions say as expected, a few cases of H1N1 influenza are now being reported.
Dr Moliehi Khaketla, the Deputy Medical Health Officer for the three northern health authorities, says laboratory test results are being assessed.
“In the north so far we are starting to see cases as well, so far I am aware of nine in total, lab confirmed cases and these are the cases where we have testing confirmed.”
In the north there have been no reported deaths caused by H1N1 influenza.
Across the province about 335 cases have been reported, and six of those patients have died.
People wanting information about flu vaccines can check the health authority web sites or call their local health centre.