Lives could be lost’; Chief of Eabametoong FN ‘disappointed’ in government response to COVID-19 case – CBC

We’re basically saying “Code Red” says chief

Apr 08, 2020

The chief of Eabametoong First Nation (EFN), about 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, said he’s “disappointed” and “not happy” with the response from both the Ontario and federal governments after one of the 1600 people living in his community was confirmed Sunday as the first case of COVID-19 in a remote, isolated community in Ontario.

Chief Harvey Yesno told CBC News the individual, a man in his 40s, was able to self-isolate immediately upon his return to Eabametoong and is remaining on his own in a separate dwelling while his condition improves.

“It is heartbreaking. It is horrific to know your community member is struggling against this virus, and the rest of the community is seriously at risk, ” Yesno said in a written release late Monday.

Acting on the best available medical advice, Eabametoong, also known as Fort Hope, had been preparing for the possibility of a positive test result for weeks, including instituting travel restrictions on March 20. The community also developed a pandemic plan, declared a state of emergency, and issued a Community Protection and Emergency Response Order on April 1.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/eabametoong-covid-governments-response-1.5525134