Beausoleil First Nation has instituted a ‘hard lockdown’ after reporting its first positive COVID-19 case.
Starting late this morning, Christian Island will enter into a 48-hour lockdown as per Beausoleil First Nation’s COVID-19 response protocol.
Beausoleil First Nation (BFN) elder Jeff Monague said one positive case has been identified, but declined to provide any more specifics about the individual.
“I won't disclose any more than that,” he said, adding the case continues to be investigated.
Monague said the lockdown has been invoked for contact-tracing purposes and could be extended should it prove necessary.
He also noted that it’s more stringent in scope than restrictions instituted last March when the pandemic was initially declared.
“It’s a little tighter because we’re doing 48 hours for contact tracing,” Monague said. “Once we know more we’ll open up, (but) if we need to close down a little longer than we’ll do that.”
Those being traced through the positive case will be contacted by health workers.
Under terms of the move, BFN is strongly advising residents to stay inside their homes and only leave to pick up essential goods at stores in the community.
The ferry will also be running on a modified schedule as it did in March with passengers only being allowed to embark for essential medical travel. There will also only be one departure and arrival per day.
BFN is also reminding residents to always wear a mask and wash their hands and sanitize often.
