Tla’amin Nation is reporting 36 COVID-19 positive cases.
According to a media release from the nation, this number reflects the total number of cases reported in Tla’amin since September 7. The release stated that members continue to recover and receive clearance letters from Vancouver Coastal Health. Tla’amin Health has reached out to provincial health authorities to confirm recovered case totals.
Six individuals were tested at the testing event held at Tla’amin Health on September 22.
The release urges keeping indoor gatherings small.“Cold, windy weather means more time spent indoors,” the release stated. “Socializing indoors increases the risk of contracting COVID-19. Please restrict your gatherings to those who currently live in your home. Masks must be worn at all times when interacting with the general public and when physical distancing cannot be maintained.”
COVID-19 testing is available at Tla’amin Health by appointment. The nation is strongly urging its residents to seek testing if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms include nausea, headache, fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle pain, lack of appetite and abdominal distress. Testing is also being offered through the Powell River General Hospital emergency department and via drive-thru testing at the Medical Clinic Associates.
For more information on testing, Tla’amin members can call 604.483.3009. Testing results take approximately 24 hours. Those contacted by health officials must abide by the mandatory self-isolation protocols and timelines.
The state of local emergency continues in Tla’amin.As part of the ongoing state of local emergency, members are reminded that the nation will only be accessible through a staffed checkpoint at Sliammon Road. Protective measures including a nightly curfew from 9 pm to 6 am, and restricted access to non-approved visitors remain in full force and effect.
The release states that first responders are prepared and continue to respond to non-COVID-19 calls. Tla’amin members with questions or requiring help with grocery essentials can call 604.578.0447. Those requiring harm reduction services and supplies can call 604.223.4430 for confidential help.
“If you witness any suspicious or criminal behavior, please call the 911 emergency line,” the release stated. “You can call anonymously.”
“It is up to our nation to take ownership of where we go from here,” stated hegus Clint Williams. “Just one individual’s choices could make the difference between containment or further spread. Everyone, young and elderly, must take proactive steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This means getting tested, following self-isolation orders, and not meeting up with friends or extended family.”
