UPDATE: A member of Samson Cree Nation is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. The positive test comes after contact tracing following a non-resident who visited Maskwacis and Ma-Me-O visiting last week who tested positive for COVID-19.
In a press release from Samson Cree Nation, Chief Vern Saddleback says, “We have been anticipating the spread of COVID-19 into the community and have been taking every precaution to detect, trace, and limit the spread of infection locally.”
In March the Samson Cree Nation along with the local First Nations of Maskwacis declared a state of local emergency and implemented an emergency management plan in anticipation of a COVID-19 outbreak in Maskwacis, Alta.
In light of the recent developments, Samson Cree Nation has initiated another lock-down effective immediately.
At the moment Samson Cree Nation is proceeding with the election of Councillors, with nominations scheduled for July 21, 2020 and elections on July 28, 2020. On July 14, 2020 Samson Cree Nation re-elected Chief Vernon Saddleback.
For the elections any one who is self isolating is prohibited from attending at polling stations, however, they can register for virtual voting on July 17, 2020 by contacting Electoral Officer, Loretta Pete at 306-227-3373.
Testing for COVID-19 is available Monday through Friday at various sites throughout Maskwacis, Alta. For more information on testing, call the Community Health Department at Maskwacis Health Services at 780-585-2020.
ORIGINAL STORY: Samson Cree Nation put out a warning on social media Sunday July 12, 2020 about a non-resident member who visited the community and has recently tested positive for COVID-19.
A Community Health Nurse with Maskwacis Health Services informed Samson Cree Nation of the potential of COVID-19 transmission in the community.
The non-resident member who tested positive may have transmitted the infection while visiting Maskwacis. There is a chance of transmission from those who came in contact with the positive case while they were at Ma-Me-O Beach as well.
Anyone who has already been identified as a contact is being tested and the individual who tested positive is self-isolating away from the community.
The memo states that effective immediately there will be a two week closure of all non-essential programs and services.
At this time Maskwacis Health Services and Community Health have confirmed that there are no active cases of COVID-19 in Maskwacis, Alta.
shaela.dansereau@pipestoneflyer.ca
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