With rising COVID-19 numbers in neighbouring communities, the Malahat First Nation has enacted a shelter-in-place order.
“Please do not come to Malahat Nation unless it is essential. Social visits are not permitted,” says a statement from the First Nation, adding that emergency response services and essential programs will continue.
There are no current cases of COVID-19 in the First Nation.
Residents are asked not avoid leaving except to go to work, attend medical appointmens or get essentials such as groceries or medications.
“It is vital to protect our community and members,” the Malahat Nation statement said. “It is time to be safe, be kind and work together. We need to do our part to protect our Nation’s elders, children and those who are most vulnerable at this time.”
The Snuneymuxw First Nation and Cowichan Tribes have both issued similar orders. As of Thursday, there had been 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Cowichan Tribes, and 21 in the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
B.C. reported 617 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and 18 more deaths, bringing the provincial toll to 988.
Twenty-seven of the new cases were in Island Health, but there were no additional deaths in the region.
Health officials said they understand the frustration directed at people who defy COVID-19 restrictions, but urged residents to continue following the guidelines to prevent infection.
Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry say in a joint statement they know it can be frustrating to hear of people not following the guidelines, such as those travelling for non-essential reasons.
But they say those who are making the effort to stick to the rules are saving lives.
They strongly recommended everyone limit their travel between communities and out of the province unless necessary a day after Henry extended restrictions on all gatherings and events until Feb. 5.
The province also reported that 46,259 people have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
