(submitted photo/Katrina Maurice)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community health

Four cases of COVID-19 confirmed at English River First Nation

Apr 21, 2020 | 5:13 PM

A band councillor at English River First Nation (ERFN) says the community is in shock, after receiving news four local residents tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Monday’s test results represent the first confirmed appearance of the virus at English River and Councillor Katrina Maurice told paNOW the small, tight-knit community is trying to be pro-active.

“We are doing the best we can to public announce what’s going on and to take the precautionary measures,” she said.

Maurice would not comment on how the virus arrived at the community, explaining she does not want people to point fingers. The ages of the four people also remains unknown but Maurice confirmed all health protocols are being followed.

“They have been given direction to self- isolate,” she explained.

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According to a press release issued by the First Nation on Tuesday, officials are already contact tracing to determine if there was further spread of the virus. Those people will be contacted to determine whether testing is needed.

The ERFN Band Council declared a state of emergency on March 19, 2020. The declaration allowed for the initiation of the band’s Pandemic Planning Committee and the introduction of strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus into the community.

The ERFN is located roughly 400 km north of Prince Albert and is a member of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell