White Bear First Nation now in lockdown

The White Bear First Nation is in lockdown after a member of the on-reserve community tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

In a letter posted to the White Bear Health Facebook page on Nov. 26, Chief Nathan Pasap said the person was hospitalized. Contact tracing for the individual who tested positive for COVID was happening.

White Bear’s council determined that it was imperative to immediately close all of the First Nation’s non-essential operations for the duration of two weeks, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 27 and continuing until l 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 10. 

“This includes the office of the council, administration and health staff, the child care initiatives (daycare and headstart), White Bear Education Complex, Kakakaway Learning Centre, White Bear Veteran’s Memorial Arena, and all band companies,” Pasap said in the letter.

Sponsored travel for workshops, conferences, sports events, etc., was also discontinued until further notice.

All band departments and companies were directed to enact emergency measures for their respective programs and services, with the intentions to continue essential services for members in a safe and effective manner. 

Members were also reminded that if they or someone in their household is displaying any symptoms of the virus, be prepared to self-isolate in their home for 14 days, and to call 811 or the health centre they intend on visiting before they arrive so arrangements can be made for self-assessment and diagnosis.

White Bear Health distributed masks and hand sanitizer to households within the community last weekend. People could expect to see a package left at their doorstep with information about self-isolation and caring for sick people at home.

Council also asked that all residents of the White Bear on-reserve community stay home unless going for groceries, medical supplies or work.

“The White Bear Health Centre is in weekly contact through conference calls every Thursday with the chief medical health officer, Dr. Ibraahim Kahn, First Nations and Inuit Health,” the letter stated.

The First Nations also emphasized the importance of handwashing and coughing practices.

“The goal is to prevent community transmission by severely limiting movement and contact amongst one another.” 

The administration and health offices continue to monitor the situation.