With the number of COVID-19 variant cases increasing in the region, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak’s Grand Chief is urging eligible citizens to get the vaccine as soon as they can.

Garrison Settee advises residents to take action during the third wave of the pandemic, saying it’s essential to keep the number of contacts as low as you can at this time.

Earlier this week, the Manitoba government announced anyone ages 18 and older and living or working in the Northern Health Region, including Churchill, is eligible to book a vaccine appointment.

Medical advisor at MKO’s medical entity Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoyawin Doctor Michael Routledge encourages everyone who is eligible to make an appointment if they haven’t already done so.

Routledge adds that it’s important to continue to follow public health orders as the province gets more vaccines into people’s arms and having more Manitobans vaccinated will have a positive impact on the entire province along with MKO First Nations.