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Old Crow in isolation amidst spike in COVID-19 cases

Wednesday, 15 December 2021 15:14

By Dylan MacNeil

Last week new safety measure were implemented in the community.

There are now five active cases of COVID-19 in Old Crow and the entire community is isolation after the first two cases were identified last Thursday.

On Friday, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government announced new safety measures after the number of cases increased to four active infections in the community. As of December 10, all residents of Old Crow must self isolate for 14 days. Two residences can be in a social bubble together, and masks must be worn and social distancing must be maintained in all indoor and outdoor public places in the community. People can still go out on the land for traditional pursuits, as long as they follow guidelines. Travel to and from Old Crow is prohibited unless it is essential and approved by Council.

Anyone who is feeling symptomatic, has tested positive, or been in close contact with someone who has tested positive in the last 14 days, should notify the health centre.

This week, food hampers are being delivered to every household in Old Crow. Citizens can also call the Co-Op and have food delivered by the RCMP.

Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm told CHONfm last Thursday that there were no critical cases, and he is sure Old Crow can manage.

“We have an incredible team of people that really got in front of this in just a few hours and I know that I personally feel confident that we’re going to be okay. We’re going to come through this. We have a lot of supports,” he said.

The Vuntut Gwitchin Government says there is a chance that the rapid tests they are using are not accurate. If someone tests positive, they should contact the health centre to book a PCR test to confirm the result.

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