COVID-19 Community Update #4

March 23, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

LAC SEUL FIRST NATION DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 VIRUS 

Lac Seul First Nation, ON – Lac Seul First Nation (LSFN) Chief E. Derek Maud has declared a State of Emergency in Lac Seul, ON on March 23, 2020 effective 4:00 PM CST as a key step to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Virus and protect the wellbeing of its membership and communities. An Emergency Declaration ensures that resources are made available and any costs incurred by the First Nation resulting from the response provided, are covered by the provincial and/or federal governments. 

Lac Seul’s Emergency Control Group (ECG) was formally activated on March 9, 2020, consisting of members of Council, LSFN Band Employees, and community volunteers.  Our ECG has developed LSFN Alert Levels: COVID-19 Response System Guide which was published to www.lacseulfn.org and social media on March 19, 2020. The ECG will actively monitor the situation and will continue to meet regularly to ensure the community of Lac Seul is provided with appropriate and timely updates.   

As part of the efforts to combat the spread of the COVID-19 Virus, Chief and Council of Lac Seul hereby render all required and available assistance from departments vital to the security, well-being and health of Lac Seul First Nation.  

The following measures are in effect, but not limited to:  

• Suspension of public gatherings 
• Remain at home, leave only to shop for necessities. We encourage members to be active outdoors by going for walks, etc. but keeping the social distance.  
• Refrain from attending the health facilities unless it is a medical emergency. For COVID-19 screening, please call ahead 582-3512 or 582-9812 

• All residents returning to the community from affected locations must self-isolate for 14 days from the time of return to the community.  
• Cancel non-essential travel to large cities 

We are reminding the public to follow all recommendations provided by our health professionals:  

• Be socially responsible: if you are sick, stay at home 

• Prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as cover your cough, clean hands frequently, avoid touching face 
• Look out for health advisories (Gov’t of Ontario, SLKT Meno Ya Win, SLFNHA  websites and social media outlets) 
• Practice social distancing: avoid crowded areas, avoid personal contact eg handshakes, hugs 

As an added protective measure for Lac Seul, it was unanimously decided to utilize one point of access to Lac Seul via the Frenchman’s Head Road. The Council has directed the use of a checkpoint at the Frenchman’s Head Bridge to ensure traffic into the community is monitored for public safety.  Community members may be asked to fill in roles within the Community Emergency Response Plan. The organization will continue to operate as per each directorates Continuance of Operation Plan (COOP).  

All necessary measures directed by Chief and Council of Lac Seul will remain in effect until April 20, 2020, or until such time as rescinded by subsequent order.  

For more information, please contact:  

– 

Gerald Kejick, Band CouncillorE. Derek Maud, Chief 

Lac Seul CEMCLac Seul First Nation 

C: 807-738-3355C: 807-738-2069 

E: geraldkejick@lacseulfn.org E: derekmaud@lacseulfn.org 

March 23 2020 COVID 19 State of Emergency FINA.pdf