An organization that represents 34 First Nations in southern Manitoba has declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19. Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says it was a prudent step to ensure communities have support and supplies they need.
He says First Nations have not received necessary supplies and there is a shortage of health-care staff. Daniels says First Nations are at risk due to chronic overcrowding, lack of equitable health care and poor infrastructure.
The organization has also indefinitely postponed all events. None of the 15 cases of the novel coronavirus reported in Manitoba are in a First Nation.