A northern First Nation has called a state of emergency as cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spike across the province.

Tataskweyak Cree Nation Chief Doreen Spence explains in a press release the “alarming rapid increase” of new positive COVID-19 cases in the community leaves them unprepared, as they lack adequate supplies, facilities, and staff to address the situation.

Spence says they’re requesting help in food security, perimeter security, and funding for staff.

She noted a recent fire in TCN ravaged what remained of their stock of PPE and cleaning supplies.

Spence states a request for rapid surge capacity support has also been put in.