Kashechewan First Nation confirms first COVID-19 related death
The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) reported a COVID-19 related death in the James and Hudson Bay region on Saturday afternoon.
The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) later issued a press release confirming the death was that of a Kashechewan First Nation community member.
“WAHA has received authorization from the leadership of Kashechewan First Nation to state that this death is in their community,” read the release.
“We wish to offer our sincere condolences to the family, leadership, and community members of Kashechewan. We send our thought and prayers to you all, praying for peace and strength in the days ahead.”
PHU’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Lianne Catton, also offered her condolences in a news release issued Saturday.
“On behalf of the PHU, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the First Nation community, and especially to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Dr. Catton.
On June 13, the federal government deployed Canadian Rangers and nurses along with funding for food, PPE, and testing among other supports. The assistance came following pleas from community leaders and area representatives urging the government to step-in.
After weeks of calling on the federal government to take action, Timmins-James Bay MPP Charlie Angus penned a letter to Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness MP Bill Blair where he warned of a potential disaster in the community.
On June 18, the Canadian Press reported that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement from his home, would be sending additional support to Kashechewan and that the army would be remain in the community until at least the end of June. In the statement, Trudeau also said the deployment of Canadian Rangers to Kashechewan had been approved in late May.
Frustration amongst community leaders over the government’s delayed response also prompted a response from Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller who fielded the critiques by saying the situation was “increasing alarming” and that the outbreak would not have been as severe had the government acted sooner to address the housing inadequacies faced by the community.
In direct response to Chief Leo Friday’s charge that overcrowding, and the government’s lack of response to the problem, was responsible for the spread of COVID-19 in the community, Miller agreed.
"He's absolutely right," Miller said at a June 23 press conference.
"There have been investments. There obviously have not been enough."
Since the community issued a State of Emergency in May 2020, over 200 of those in Kashechewan’s 1500 person population have tested positive for COVID-19, many of them children under the age of 12.
PHU does not release information as it relates to an individual who tests positive for COVID-19, such as age or sex, out of respect for the family. No further information will be released.
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and complete the on-line COVID-19 Self-Assessment to determine your next steps.
If testing is required, seek testing through one of the assessment centres across Ontario. You can also call the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-360-4819 or toll-free at 1-800-461-1818.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.