A Vancouver Island First Nation community has issued a shelter-in-place order after seeing COVID-19 cases spike over 20.
In a release issued by Cowichan Tribes on Wednesday evening, it states that there are currently 23 confirmed cases of the coronavirus within the community.
The spike in cases comes over the span of six days, with the first COVID-19 case being announced on January 1.
“This is a critical time for each of us to do our part to limit the spread of the virus and to remain calm and be kind to one and other,” reads a statement from Cowichan Tribes.
The First Nation says that Chief and Council and Cowichan Tribes’ Pandemic Response Team have been working closely with FNHA, Island Health, and public health to support contact tracing, monitor cases, and keep members safe during this ongoing health crisis.
The First Nation suggests that health officials have been in regular contact with members who are self-isolating and are providing support and guidance as well.
In an effort to limit the spread within the community, Cowichan Tribes has issued a shelter-in-place order – the second Vancouver Island First Nation to do so in the past week.
The order is currently slated to be in place until 5 p.m. on January 22 and is being referred to as the ‘closure period.’
As part of the shelter-in-place order, all members will be required to stay home and checkpoints will be set up in order to enforce the order and provide information.
Cowichan Tribes says that access to residential areas and residential buildings will be restricted as well.
The First Nation says that households may designate one person to be the shopper, however, trips to the store are to be limited to once per week.
Residents are being encouraged to have groceries, medications, and other essential goods delivered if possible, according to the community notice.
More information on the stay-at-home order can be found on Cowichan Tribes’ website.
The community is anticipating that more cases may be announced in the coming days as well as officials are currently awaiting further test results.
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