A few members of the Canadian Armed Forces are arriving to Bearskin Lake First Nation in northern Ontario to assist the community amid a COVID-19 outbreak that has infected half of its population.
A spokeswoman for federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair says four Rangers are there to co-ordinate, help with logistics, and distribute food, water, firewood and care packages.
Annie Cullinan says more Rangers will be deployed in the community during the coming days.
The community has requested the assistance of 40 personnel.
Chief Lefty Kamenawatamin, who tested positive Saturday for COVID-19 and is in isolation, says the community needs more support quickly.
A total of 210 people have been infected with COVID-19 in the 400-person community, located about 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 10, 2022.
The Canadian Press
