Several Indigenous leaders are supporting recommendations from the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority in an attempt to curb rising COVID-19 cases in northern First Nations.
NITHA is strongly recommending that masking for all indoor public spaces be re-introduced until immunization rates go up and new infections go down.
Those working in health care or with vulnerable people including children requires mandatory vaccination.
Proof of vaccination or recent negative test to access non-essential activities such as gatherings and recreational events. Mandatory isolation for close contacts and new cases and increased contact tracing.
Public health officials said with the Delta variant circulating widely preventative measures are needed until community immunization reaches 85 percent for those 12 years and older.
NITHA said some of the recent community outbreaks have been fueled by large gatherings where unimmunized people are attending.
The recommendations are endorsed by the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Prince Albert Grand Council, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.