This is the most serious it’s ever been’: First Nations chiefs in Yukon concerned over COVID-19 spike – APTN

Nov 19, 2021

First Nations chiefs in the Yukon are raising alarm over a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

On Nov. 8 the territory reinstated a state of emergency when more than 80 cases were confirmed over the previous weekend.

There are currently 171 active cases in the territory, the bulk of which are in Whitehorse. As of Wednesday, there were 119 confirmed active cases there.

“This the most serious it’s ever been,” says Chief Doris Bill of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) in Whitehorse.

“It’s very concerning, and the situation we’re in right now is very, very serious.”

Bill says KDFN has confirmed there are 14 active cases in the First Nation, though she notes there could be even more unconfirmed cases.

Out of precaution, KDFN has closed its offices and reduced its programming.

She says citizens are stressed and anxious about the COVID-19 spike, especially parents of school children.

“I saw somebody who said she was thinking of quitting her job because there have been so many school closures. There’s really no one else to rely on,” Bill says.

Read more: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/covid-19-spike-first-nations-yukon-active-cases/