Five Active Cases of COVID-19 in Moose Factory

Statement from Chief Mervin Cheechoo

December 22, 2020

I have been informed by the Porcupine Health Unit and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority that there are three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Moose Factory Island bringing the number of active cases in the community to five as of this morning.

Fortunately, all have been, and will remain in isolation. The nurses at the Moose Factory Health Centre have confirmed that there is no contact tracing needed at this time as a link to exposure can be identified and all have been following Public Health guidance and have helped keep the virus contained. Please continue to keep these individuals in your thoughts and prayers as they recover from the virus and we thank you for all you have done to keep the community safe.

Please remember that if you have not been contacted by the nurses it means that you have not been exposed to the virus during the time of one’s infectious period. Earlier this fall, it was difficult to identify the source of COVID-19 exposure and this indicated to the nurses that the virus was circulating in community and required more of a community lockdown to isolate unknown sources. We are thankful that this is not needed at this time.

The Pandemic Emergency Operations Team (PEOT) continues to advise the following for everyone in Moose Factory Island, particularly during this holiday season:

1. Stay home as much as possible. 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 at all times.
4. Have one person from your household do the grocery shopping.
5. Frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
6. Maintain physical distance – 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 we will continue to monitor and stay on top of any situation that may arise throughout the coming days and Christmas weekend. I urge everyone to remain calm and to strictly follow the above recommendations and the Pandemic Bylaw.

Should you begin to have COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, 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.

Correction: Earlier this morning we reported that there were six active cases of COVID-19 in our community. The correct number of active cases is FIVE (5).