COVID-19 outbreak declared in Wiikwemkoong on Manitoulin Island
A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, the First Nation announced Wednesday.
In a social media post, officials said so far, six cases have been confirmed and there are two other probable cases.
"At this time, we are able to confirm that there are three separate clusters," said the post, signed by Ogimaa Duke Peltier.
"As we are in an official outbreak and there is the possibility of communal spread, we ask that all our community members stay at home and only leave for essential purposes."
Residents are also being asked to designate one person per household for essential travel for things like food, attending medical appointments or picking up prescriptions.
"We also advise that there will be no gatherings and for everyone to stay within their household bubble," the post said.
Anyone who doesn't live in the community is being asked to not travel to the area until the outbreak ends.
Anyone who wants to get tested for the disease is asked to contact the Wiikwemkoong Health Centre and book an appointment. There will be drive-thru testing Friday at the WUT Arena, and Saturday at the Blue Med Tent outside the band office.
Anyone needing mental health support can call 705-348-1937.
"We are all in this together, and we will get through it together," the post concluded.
Because of the outbreak, the Wikwemikong Nursing Home is no longer allowing in-person visits until at least Aug. 18.
"Residents will only be allowed to leave the facility for essential purposes such as doctor appointments," the home said in a social media post.
"We encourage families to make use of video and telephone calls to visit with family members at this time."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.