As Manitoba is seeing more cases of COVID-19 in the province, MKO’s Grand Chief is reminding northern First Nations to work together and support one another to curb the spread of the virus.

 

Garrison Settee says that although northern Manitoba currently doesn’t have active cases, everyone must continue to be vigilant in response to the growing rate of cases.

 

MKO encourages communities north of 53 to continue to monitor and consider restricting travellers coming in and out of their First Nations to help slow the spread.

 

Settee goes on to say that he encourages citizens to remain calm and not panic, and to not feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek out COVID testing if they’re displaying symptoms.

 

He adds that people should follow the public health orders to curb the spread, such as frequent hand washing, physical distancing, wearing non-medical masks, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.

 

As of Aug. 10, there are 196 active cases in Manitoba with six people hospitalized, three of whom are in intensive care.

 

The total number of positive and probable cases in First Nations people is 17 as of Aug. 4, and there have been no confirmed cases in First Nations communities.