Cases of COVID-19 identified in Little Grand Rapids First Nation
October 5, 2020
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – Little Grand Rapids First Nation (LGRFN) has announced new cases of COVID-‐19 and will proceed to move the Nation to Red on Manitoba’s Provincial Pandemic Response System. Since September 30th 2020, the First Nation confirmed that 19 people have tested positive for COVID-‐19.
“After receiving confirmation of positive cases within our community, we quickly responded and have moved into our next phase of pandemic planning to manage cases and keep the community safe,” said Chief Raymond Keeper of the Little Grand Rapids First Nation.
“Little Grand Rapids First Nation is experiencing a high number of cases for a smaller, remote First Nation. The community is working with supports that are in place to help deal with these current cases and prevent further spread,” said Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC). “AMC and the Manitoba First Nations Pandemic Response Coordination Team (PRCT) are also providing full support to the First Nation and will continue to work with LGRFN leadership.”
Since the positive cases were identified, a Rapid Response Team was deployed and is in the community to support testing, case and contact management. The Chief and Council are working with the Province to move the community to Red on Manitoba’s Provincial Pandemic Response System. This move will increase safety measures and support the community in reducing spread of the virus within Little Grand.
AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas concluded, “I commend LGRFN leadership on their swift, diligent and compassionate attention to this evolving situation and will continue to remain in contact with them and all Nations that require support as we act to keep everyone safe.”
Community Members to Stay-at-Home
The LGRFN advises community members to stay home during this time except when seeking medical care, going for testing if they have symptoms or have been advised they are a close contact, or a single individual from the household going to the store for essential items.
The Anishinaabe First Nation is 268 air kilometers northeast of Winnipeg and on the shores of Family Lake near the Manitoba / Ontario border. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is issuing this release in partnership with and in support of the Little Grand Rapids First Nation.