Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Moose Factory

Statement from Chief Mervin Cheechoo
September 12, 2020

It has been confirmed by the Porcupine Health Unit and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority that there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the James Bay & Western Hudson Bay Region. It has been further confirmed that the confirmed case is in Moose Factory Island. The Moose Factory Health Centre has now ensured that the confirmed case and contacts made have been isolated, any additional contacts named will be notified.

Meetings have been held with the Moose Factory Pandemic Emergency Operations Team (PEOT), Council and with representatives of Weeneebayko Area Health Authority regarding a collective response in an attempt to prevent further confirmed cases in our community.

The PEOT strongly recommends the following for everyone in Moose Factory Island:

1. Stay home. Do not have visitors at your home
2. Monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms in the coming days.
3. Wear a mask when you must leave your home, ensure it covers your mouth and nose.      
4. Have one person from your household do the grocery shopping.
5. Frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
6. Physical distancing is very important – when you have to leave your home try to stay at least six feet away from those who do not live in your household.

Rest assured that the Moose Cree First Nation Chief & Council and the PEOT will continue to monitor and discuss this situation throughout the weekend and in the coming days.

I urge everyone to remain calm and to strictly follow the above recommendations.

Should you begin to have COVID-19 symptoms, please call the Moose Factory Health Centre at 705-658-4220.

More information will be provided in the coming days. Please continue to take of yourselves and take care of each other.