An Ontario First Nation is requesting military assistance amid a COVID-19 outbreak that has infected half of its on-reserve population and “crippled” daily operations.
Bearskin Lake First Nation says 174 people have tested positive, including people in essential jobs with administration and maintenance units for the band.
The First Nation says most households are quarantining and need deliveries of food, water, chopped wood and medication, and the community does not have space to host testing or isolation centres.
Chief Lefty Kamenawatamin says resources are being stretched to a breaking point.
Kamenawatamin says the community has asked for financial support from the federal government but resources offered so far have been “minimal.”
The community 425 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, Ont., declared a state of emergency last week due to the outbreak.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2022.
The Canadian Press
