A COVID-19 outbreak on the McLeod Lake Indian Band IR#1 has resulted in the death of one elder, and three others are currently fighting the virus.
Chief Harlee Chingee says Sheri Solonas passed away early Tuesday morning from COVID-19 complications.
In a letter posted to the band website, Chingee says one person remains in intensive care, another in hospital, and one isolating at home.
“This has been a difficult week for our elders and our community and no doubt a difficult year,” said Chingee.
“McLeod Lake Indian Band members are known for coming together in difficult times. Yet the social distancing restrictions have placed barriers on allowing us to do this.”
Normally, this would be a time for families to gather and mourn, but he urges the community to connect online and by phone while the outbreak is contained.
Lockdown measures are in place to assist the health team, emergency management, and administration.
As a result, band offices are closed and a mandatory stay at home order has been put in place.
Chingee says many members have asked him for special permissions to leave the reserve — something he has declined.
“I cannot give this permission. All of us need to comply with the rules,” he explained.
However, arrangements can be made for medical appointments with the proper approval, he added.
“While I appreciate and thank the majority of Members who are actively working to comply with these orders, there are some who are not,” he said.
“Let me be clear: For members who refuse to adhere to the current stay-at-home orders, you will risk not being allowed back into the Reserve for the remainder of the lockdown and/or having distributions withheld.”
All essential services, including groceries, will be brought to TFF and distributed to households on Friday.
“The sooner we all work together to end this outbreak, the sooner we are all able to move about more freely. I thank you all for your patience during these difficult times,” said Chingee.
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“Stay safe and be kind to one another.”
