Tla’amin Nation is reporting 28 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 and is offering its second in-community drive-through testing clinic this week.
According to a media release from Tla’amin Nation, an aggressive testing strategy, contact tracing and a shelter-in-place order have been enacted to protect Tla’amin residents and the larger community.
In-community drive-through testing is available on Tuesday, September 15, at Tla’amin Health from 12:30 to 2:30 pm.
Only individuals exhibiting symptoms will be tested, according to the release. Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle pain, lack of appetite and abdominal distress.
“Bringing testing services right into the village has been a vital part of our response,” stated Tla’amin hegus Clint Williams. “The nurses and support staff know our people and this makes a huge difference in what is a very stressful situation. I commend the nurses and our whole health team for organizing this quickly and I encourage those members feeling symptoms to get tested today.”
The testing event will end at 2:30 pm sharp so test samples may be flown to Vancouver for analysis. The first in-community testing event held last week served more than 50 residents, and results came back between 24 and 48 hours.
On September 14, Tla’amin executive council extended the shelter-in-place order until September 17 at 5 pm pending the testing results from the September 15 drive-through clinic. Children and education support staff will remain home from school until the order is lifted, according to the release. A team of essential workers is in place under the command of the Tla’amin emergency operations centre.
Food and medication delivery continues, allowing residents to comfortably shelter-in-place. Tla’amin members with questions, or requiring help with milk, bread, eggs, diapers, formula toiletries and other essentials, can call 604.578.0447, according to the release. Those requiring harm reduction services and supplies can call 604.223.4430 for confidential help.
“Tla’amin hegus and legislators thank you for your cooperation as we work together to contain the spread of COVID-19,” the release stated. “We share encouragement and gratitude to all of the frontline workers who are keeping the community safe during this difficult time.
“We will get through this together. Stay home, stay safe, and stay kind.”
