Many Kashechewan First Nation members who are isolating in overcrowded houses are stressed out, especially children, according to Chief Leo Friday.
The community of about 1,800 members has been one of the hardest-hit communities during the third wave of the pandemic. Over 330 confirmed cases have been reported there since the outbreak.
As of Sunday, June 27, there were 54 active cases in Kashechewan. Out of those, 17 cases were children aged 12 younger, eight cases are youth aged 12 to 17, and 29 cases are adults aged 18 and over, according to the chief.
There is a 24-hour curfew until at least July 9.
Friday said the community is building 50 tents to alleviate overcrowding and help people isolate themselves. Six of those quarantine units with four beds in each unit are almost ready and are expected to be done by the end of this week, according to the chief.
Many people are stressed out, especially the children, Friday said.
“They’re getting crazy. It’s really hard to keep everyone inside especially large families,” he said. “I wish we could get these tents used right away and see what we can do after. I hope these will be done soon so we can alleviate the overcrowding and give the families less stress and open up.”
There have been 285 resolved cases and over 120 confirmed cases of the alpha B 1.1.7 variant, also known as the UK variant, in the community.
There are also over 240 high-risk contacts, according to Friday.
Friday said he’s talked to the minister about the overcrowding issues, the long-term housing and the relocation plans.
In 2019, the chief signed a deal with the governments to relocate the community to higher ground to avoid flooding issues. The last two ice breakups were “really good” and the community was “blessed” to avoid big floods but there have been roadblocks from the government, the chief said.
“I hope the government will begin the discussion about the overcrowding and the long-term (housing),” the chief said. “We have the finance company that wants to finance the whole relocation. They’re (the governments) just putting a lot of roadblocks along the way. They don't want us to move for some reason.”
Most adults were vaccinated during Operation Remote Immunity that was undertaken in winter.
Currently, the second operation is underway in 32 remote communities to vaccinate youth aged 12 to 17 and those who haven’t received their first dose.
There will be second-dose Pfizer vaccination clinics for people aged 12 and older on July 1-2 in Kashechewan.
