Snuneymuxw First Nation dropped a shelter-in-place order after consulting with Island Health and the First Nations Health Authority. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

eased restricitons

SFN rescinds shelter-in-place order, most members receive first COVID shots

Jan 20, 2021 | 1:45 PM

NANAIMO — The shelter-in-place order has been lifted within Snuneymuxw First Nation as the number of active cases dwindles.

SFN chief Mike Wyse said the decision was made the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 19 in consultation with Island Health and the First Nations Health Authority, who deemed the virus in the SFN bubble contained.

As of Wednesday afternoon, he told NanaimoNewsNOW there are six active cases out of the 36 confirmed since Dec. 30.

“We’re not seeing heightened numbers that we had at the beginning. We do still have the odd person testing positive in the last week or so.”

The shelter-in-place order was implemented on Jan. 1, asking residents to not leave their homes unless it was for an essential reason such as getting groceries or attending medical appointments.

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A two-day vaccination clinic began on Jan. 6 after vaccines were diverted to SFN.

“We’ve got 71 per cent of our members vaccinated, which was a goal of Island Health to vaccinate at least 70 per cent,” Wyse said.

It’s unknown when the second required dose of the vaccine will be administered.

He implored their members to continue abiding by public health orders, including staying within their household bubble.

Checkpoints established at entrances to all four SFN reserves will remain in place for the time being.

Roughly 600 SFN members live on four reserves in the Nanaimo area.

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