The office of the chief public health officer has confirmed one case of COVID-19 in Fort Liard and says “there is some likelihood of additional… cases being discovered.”
The individual is isolating and doing well, according to an advisory. A rapid response team has also travelled to the community to assess risk.
Health officials are now recommending Fort Liard residents avoid “gatherings of any size with those you do not live with for the time being,” and continue with regular hand washing, mask wearing and physical distancing.
First Nation response
Soon after the case was announced, Acho Dene Koe First Nation sent its own release saying it would support the territorial government and hamlet to respond to the case.
“At the beginning of the pandemic the Band provided the municipality $20,000 to help the Hamlet if such a case of cases were to arise and the Emergency Operation Centre was to be activated,” reads the release.
It adds, “We encourage everyone to remain calm, to minimize their contacts and to follow all instructions of the Public Health Authority.”
Hillary Deneron, the mayor of Fort Liard, told residents through a Facebook post to, “Please be safe, be kind to one another and make sure family members are in contact with our elders to help inform and provide the proper care for them.”
She also said that community leadership and the rapid response team would be meeting Saturday afternoon to develop safety protocols.
