The Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT) on Manitoulin Island has updated the status of the COVID-19 outbreak there indicating that the outbreak is still active, with at least nine cases. The WUT pandemic crisis team first revealed the outbreak on Wednesday. At that time three “clusters” of COVID-19 were identified.
A post on social media Friday afternoon reported there were six active COVID-19 cases of Wiikwemkoong Band Members on Reserve, and three additional active cases of Band Members off Reserve.
Along with that was a message posted by Wiikwemkoong Ogimaa (Chief) Duke Peltier that advised of a public high-risk exposure of COVID-19 at a social gathering that took place at 1900 Wikwemikong Way on July 31. The message said this includes anyone who visited the Zipp-Thru Gas Bar and Hiawatha’s food truck.
For anyone who was at those locations last Saturday, Peltier said the request is for citizens to do the following:
• To immediately self-isolate, and to contact your local health unit to book a COVID-19 test.
• If you are experiencing symptoms, to immediately self-isolate and contact your local health unit.
"We are reminding everyone to follow public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID- 19. The safest options are to limit close contact to your own household members, stay home and do not attend work or school when ill, avoid non-essential travel, and remember to practice physical distancing, wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep track of your activity to support contact tracing," said Peltier's message.
Further to that, the local pandemic crisis team is asking residents who have been recently tested positive, outside of the reserve, to call in at the Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre right away to inform the health care workers there of the testing results.
Peltier also advised that anyone needing any support should call the 24-hour crisis line at 705 348-1937 to have a chat.
