GINOOGAMING FIRST NATION – A COVID-19 outbreak in Ginoogaming First Nation continues to grow, with band leadership tightening restrictions and awaiting support from the Canadian Rangers.
The number of active cases in the community, located just south of Longlac, grew to nine on Saturday.
The band declared a state of emergency on Jan. 23, after six cases were detected. Two have since been resolved.
Five more cases were confirmed Saturday, including one involving a staff member.
Workers have administered 126 COVID-19 tests in the community since Jan. 4.
In a release Saturday, the First Nation said it was receiving support from provincial and federal governments through Ontario’s Provincial Emergency Operations Centre.
“Through our work with PEOC, we’ve been able to receive… some of the assistance needed, including the deployment of the Canadian Rangers to provide more needed boots-on-the-ground in our community,” said health director and band councillor Sheri Taylor.
Mental health providers will also be made available in the community.
Restrictions to access points will be tightened, with medical transport in and out of the community allowed only by emergency personnel and closer tracking to limit the number of essential trips per person.
Taxi and food delivery services will also no longer be allowed in, but goods can be left at the community access gate, and staff will assist with providing rides to the gate for members).
Ginoogaming is working with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit on a vaccination plan, but no dates have yet been set.
