Variants of Concern in Moose Factory

Statement from Chief Mervin Cheechoo
May 26, 2021 at 5:30 pm

As you may now be aware, as of today there are fourteen (14) active cases of COVID-19 in Moose Factory Island and forty-five (45) in Moosonee.

It has been confirmed that our fourteen (14) cases are contacts of an existing case and have been in isolation and so it is very likely that the outbreak in Moose Factory Island is contained, and no further contract tracing is being done at this time as it is not required.

However, the Porcupine Heath Unit has confirmed that 95% of the cases in the area are a result of what is known as virus variants of concern.

The variants of concern are more contagious and may cause more severe symptoms, so we must all ensure that we continue to be careful and follow the safety recommendations as closely as possible.

I would like to thank all those individuals with the confirmed cases and those in their households for following the recommendations from the health professionals. Their cooperation will help prevent a further spread of the virus. Please remember to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Please do your part to help prevent a further spread of the virus in Moose Factory Island. I think that by now everyone is aware of all the safety recommendations but at this time the most important recommendations are to stay home and do not have visitors in your home.

• Stay home as much as possible
• Do not go to Moosonee
• Do not have visitors in your home, including relatives

We will continue to monitor this situation in the coming days. I urge everyone to remain calm and to strictly follow the above recommendations and the Pandemic Bylaw. To receive a copy of the bylaw please email Sara Wesley at .