First Nations at higher risk of COVID-19 – St. Albert Today

SADDLE LAKE – First Nations people are at a heightened risk when it comes to COVID-19, says a Saddle Lake Cree Nation physician.

The bid to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus has meant a new normal at the reserve’s health centre – from booking appointments to assessing patients; the Saddle Lake Health Centre’s goal is to be effective, as many in the community already have underlying medical conditions.

“For First Nations, it could be twice as worse,” Dr. Nicole Cardinal said. “Because a lot of our community members are sicker than the general population.”

“If they all get sick, that would backlog us, and so we are trying to stay on top of things, and trying to get take care of our patients with more complex needs.”

Read More: https://www.stalberttoday.ca/local-news/first-nations-at-higher-risk-of-covid-19-2192891