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Tla’amin Nation extends shelter-in-place order

Tla’amin Nation’s shelter-in-place order has been extended.
Tla’amin Health
A second in-community drive-through COVID-19 testing station will take place on September 15 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at Tla’amin Health. Powell River Peak archive photo

Tla’amin Nation’s shelter-in-place order has been extended.

On September 14, at a duly convened meeting of the executive council, the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order was extended until September 17 at 5 pm so results can be reviewed and the situation reassessed, according to a media release from Tla’amin Nation.

Tla’amin hegus, legislators and emergency operations centre staff raise their hands to members of the nation for their patience, cooperation and vigilant actions to keep the community safe, according to the media release.

“It has been an emotional week as we all work together to support the full and complete recovery of our relatives impacted by COVID-19,” the release stated. “To slow and stop the spread of COVID-19 we enacted a shelter-in-place order. To some, this seemed like a drastic measure. Yet, every day over the last six days, we have seen more and more of our relatives testing positive and confirming that they too have been impacted.”

The release stated it is recognized that the order is making some people feel anxious, sad and angry.

“We are worried about our families and how our kids will be treated when they return to school,” the release stated. “Not being allowed to leave the village reminds many of us of a time when our movements were policed by outsiders. Our leadership and frontline workers share these feelings with you.”

This situation is still very serious, according to the release. As of September 14, more than 20 members have received lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 test results and the nation is awaiting updated data.

“The virus does not move on its own; it needs people to move it,” the release stated.

A second in-community drive-through testing station will take place September 15 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at Tla’amin Health. 

“We are not out of the woods yet and feel strongly that the best way to keep the community safe is for us all to stay still for just a little while longer,” the release stated. “Food and medication delivery will continue, allowing residents to comfortably shelter-in-place. Tla’amin members with questions or requiring help with milk, bread, eggs, diapers, formula toiletries and other essentials can call 604.578.0447. Harm reduction services are being offered to those who need them.”

The release concluded by stating that the Tla’amin hegus and legislators “offer thanks for your cooperation as we work together to contain the spread of COVID-19. We share encouragement and gratitude to all of the frontline workers who are keeping the community safe during this difficult time.

“We will get through this together. Stay home, stay safe, and stay kind.”