COVID-19 cases confirmed at two more Sask. indigenous communities

Both James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) and Onion Lake Cree Nation (OLCN) have their first confirmed cases of COVID-19.

On Sunday, a public notice signed by JSCN Chief, Wally Burns, was sent to community members saying the individual was tested on Friday after developing symptoms and that the individual is self-isolating at home.

The notice added James Smith Health Clinic staff were working with public officials from the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority to monitor the situation and notify anyone who could have been exposed.

“At this time, prevention remains the best way for community members to protect themselves. It is critical that residents take precautions to protect themselves against respiratory illness,” said Burns, in the notice. “We urge community members to follow the precautions outlined by the public health officials.”

(Onion Lake Cree Nation/ Facebook)

In a Facebook post on Thursday OLCN also announced a confirmed case of the virus in their community. The post says that a “pandemic committee will start tracing the process to ensure containment is done effectively and efficiently.”

The post also urges community members to continue following all precautionary measures and to “keep social distancing a high priority.”

In an emailed response to meadowlakeNOW, SHA spokesperson Doug Dahl said the Health Authority would not provide any information on an individual patient. Calls to OLCN and SHA were not returned.

-With Files from BattlefordsNOW