Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation is located in Saskatchewan's Far North. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

rising cases

Fond du Lac residents not self-isolating, refusing to be tested: Athabasca Health Authority

Nov 23, 2020 | 1:31 PM

Some residents of Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation, who are supposed to be self-isolating due to the coronavirus, are allowing visitors in their homes and exposing them to it.

That’s according to an Athabasca Health Authority update released Sunday, which also mentions people who are sick with symptoms are not self-isolating at home before being tested. It also notes close contacts and people who are sick with symptoms of the coronavirus are refusing to be tested.

“People who have been directed to self-isolate because they have tested positive with COVID-19 or have had close contact with COVID-19 are not self-isolating, are out in the public,” the update states. “Many of these people are frequenting the Northern Store and other areas of the community putting everyone at risk. This includes the nurses and paramedics who are caring for everyone in the community.”

It also notes there continues to be house parties with many people attending. The health authority is aware of a party that had more than 50 people attend this past week, which has the potential to be a super spreader.

It has been just over two weeks since the first positive case of coronavirus appeared in Fond du Lac. As of Nov. 23, there are 46 active, 20 recoveries and 325 individual identified as close contacts. There has also been 296 tests completed from residents so far.

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“Whether you believe this virus is real or not, we all have an obligation to follow the public health orders that the federal and provincial governments have enacted,” the update states. “We all need to comply with these restrictions for at least three more weeks if we are going to get these infections down to zero. This will take a commitment from everyone in the community, not just some of you.”

NDP call for urgent provincial support for Fond du Lac

Athabasca MLA Buckley Belanger wants the province to take action against the outbreak in Fond du Lac and provide assistance to impacted residents.

“People in Fond du Lac are worried about the impact this outbreak is having on their community, and the provincial government has been missing in action,” Belanger said in a news release issued Monday. “Northerners are tired of being ignored by the Sask. Party, and it’s time for action from the province to get this outbreak under control.”

In specific, there are five actions Belanger would like to see done immediately such as addressing food security to keep people at home and exploring options for long-term repayment or relief of unpaid SaskPower bills.

Belanger is also calling for more personal protective equipment, and support for businesses and workers affected by the outbreak. He would also like additional staffing and resources as necessary to reduce virus transmission.

“People living on northern First Nations are Saskatchewan residents too, and the provincial government needs to step up to the plate and make sure that no one is left behind in the battle against COVID-19,” Belanger stated.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno