NITHA communities reporting 266 active COVID-19 cases; Athabasca sees increase in cases
The Northern Inter Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) is reporting 266 active cases of COVID-19.
The far northeast has highest number of active cases with 154. The far northwest has the second highest number with 63 active cases while the north central region has 24 cases. The northeast region is currently reporting 21 active cases.
In the far north central region the Athabasca Health Authority is reporting eight active cases of COVID-19. The health authority said they have had five more people test positive since their last report.
Five of the active cases are in the community of Black Lake. Fond-du-Lac has two people in the community who have tested positive. According to the Athabasca Health Authority, there is another case linked to Fond-du-Lac, but that person is not currently in the community.
LLRIB Chief pleased Moderna vaccines coming to Far North East communities
As 1450 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are heading to the Far North East, one Chief is pleased that her region is now included in the first allotment of immunizations.
“They have heard us and we’re really grateful that the Moderna vaccine will be arriving in the Far North as soon as possible,” said Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson.
On December 28, the province received 4900 doses of Moderna, stating it would go to the Far North West and Far North Central communities as they had the highest test positivity rates, excluding the Far North East.
His father has diabetes and is immunocompromised. Yeah, there are scared people, but we re trying to take it day by day, said Natomagan. Just continue being a whole family that we are, as a community.
Northern outbreaks
COVID-19 continues to be a serious issue across northern Saskatchewan. While there have been local successes, outbreaks continue to be declared in many communities, including Ile-a-la-Crosse, Stanley Mission, La Loche, Cumberland House and Southend.
Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, medical health officer with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, said some of the main factors in northern outbreaks seems to be unnecessary travel outside of the community and community gatherings.
Outbreak declared for Kitsaki; NITHA reports 241 COVID cases
The Northern Inter Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) has declared another outbreak of COVID-19.
An outbreak has been declared for Kitsaki, La Ronge Reserve. NITHA explained in a statement posted online the declaration was made after an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. NITHA added there is evidence of community transmission.
NITHA said they are working with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRB) to contain the outbreak. Health officials are recommending people practice preventative measures which includes mask wearing, maintaining physical distancing and hand washing. It is also recommended people stay home when possible.