Northern Alberta community confirms province’s first known COVID-19 case on a First Nation

A confirmed case of COVID-19 in northern Alberta is believed to be the province’s first known case on a First Nation.

In a Facebook post earlier this week, the Sucker Creek First Nation posted a memo dated April 20 from the community’s chief to its emergency team, stating that earlier in the day it was confirmed that someone in the community has COVID-19.

A spokesperson for Alberta Health confirmed there has been a positive case in the community.

READ MORE: Alberta sees 5 more COVID-19 deaths

“We will be taking every measure possible to protect Sucker Creek First Nation and to stop the spread of the virus,” the post reads in part. “Each one of us has a role to play.

“That is why we are asking everyone to follow the restrictions in place.”

The post says the community is working with both the provincial and federal governments to implement a pandemic response plan.

At a news conference in Edmonton on Wednesday, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health said even though it is a single case in that community and not an outbreak, Alberta Health is disclosing the confirmed case at the request of the First Nation.

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Dr. Deena Hinshaw said the confirmed case is a contact of a previously confirmed case in High Prairie and is now self-isolating.

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She said the First Nation was well-prepared for the pandemic, like other First Nations.

“This community is dealing with a non-COVID-19 emergency in the form of a flood,” Hinshaw added. “Communities across Alberta are dealing with other challenges as well.”

Hinshaw said the community should be supported as it responds to its flooding situation and that it is important that inaccurate information about the community with regard to COVID-19 is not spread.

“This case was quickly identified,” Hinshaw added.

“The simple fact of having a case appear in that community… is not particularly concerning.”

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She added that both the province and Ottawa are working to ensure the community and others like it have adequate access to testing and personal protective equipment, “making sure the First Nations have the support that they need.”

READ MORE: Assembly of First Nations declares state of emergency over COVID-19 pandemic

The Cree community is located along the southwestern shore of Lesser Slave Lake.

Global News has reached out to Chief Jim Badger for more details.

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