WHITEFISH LAKE - Whitefish Lake First Nation #128 (Goodfish Lake) is reporting a COVID-19 outbreak with 68 active cases as of Feb. 22 resulting in the band enacting the following measures: the closure of Pakan school along with the cancellation of busing, the closure of the daycare centre, and the cancellation of the Indigenous Skills and Training Program until further notice. In a public notice to band members, the band administration indicates its office will remain open with limited access.
"The Nation's Emergency Management Team will reassess on Friday, Feb. 26, and will update our members at that time," the public notice states.
In a memo from Health director Georgina Halfe at the Goodfish Lake Health Centre, residents were notified the nation is now on outbreak status.
"It means our Nation will be receiving an E.I (Exposure Investigation) Number which gives all members the opportunity to test with or without symptoms. The advantage to this is as we send out the swabs with the number it should speed up the response time for results."
Residents are encouraged to contact the Health Centre at 780-636-3638 with questions on testing.
Vilna School reporting positive case
Meanwhile, Aspen View Public Schools announced Monday that an individual from Vilna School had tested positive for COVID-19.
"Twenty-six students and five staff from Vilna School who had close contact with the positive case have been directed to stay home," according to a news release issued by Aspen View.
"Aspen School and Vilna School administration are diligently following Alberta Health Services guidance to ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect the health and safety of students and staff," Superintendent Neil O'Shea commented in the release.
