The Onion Lake Cree Nation has confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in the area.
In a post to Onion Lake’s Facebook page, they stated that the positive diagnosis had been overseen by a Saskatchewan Medical Health Officer. As a response, Onion Lake has dispatched a pandemic committee which is working in several ways to contain the virus.
One of these methods is a curfew between the hours of 10 p.m and 6 A.M, and the restriction of two people to a vehicle at a time to travel for essential supplies. People will not be allowed to leave the area except to pick up groceries, medication, medical appointments or for work. Non-community members or outside residents will not be allowed entry except for essential service workers, who will leave when their shift is done.
Residents leaving and coming to the Cree Nation should expect to be stopped at checkpoints manned by both security personnel and the RCMP. All movement is going to be logged, and questions about people’s health risk, symptoms and travel plans will be asked.
Large cities will also be considered “hot-spots” and residents who visit those areas are told to self-isolate for ten days.
In an effort to further encourage physical distancing at home, Onion Lake Council has recommended a voluntary “colour placard” system. Residents can put up a colour placard in the window of their home to indicate their health and so family, essential services and volunteers can respond to their needs. They also remind residents to make use of 8-1-1 for health questions and 9-1-1 for emergencies.
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MyLloydminsterNow has reached out to Onion Lake Cree Nation for comment. As of press time, they have not responded.