A shelter-in-place order for Snuneymuxw First Nation was put in place to start 2021 as cases rose, however vaccination and other safety efforts have eliminated new cases in the community. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SHUT OUT

Snuneymuxw First Nation declares COVID-19 cluster over, no cases in four weeks

Apr 15, 2021 | 5:07 PM

NANAIMO — Cases and transmission of COVID-19 in Snuneymuxw First Nation are now at zero.

Island Health, the First Nations Health Authority and SFN declared the ongoing cluster of cases over on Tuesday, April 13 after no positive tests linked to the community for 28 days.

“This is an incredible success for everyone in the community and goes to show how strong, resilient and dedicated everyone is to keeping themselves and their loved ones safe,” Chief Mike Wyse said in a written statement.

SFN residents were under a shelter-in-place order in early January after the first of five cases was confirmed Dec. 30.

Cases climbed steadily which forced the First Nations Health Authority to divert doses of the Moderna vaccine, originally earmarked for rural and remote First Nations, to Snuneymuxw.

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A two-day vaccination clinic on Jan. 6 and 7 successfully immunized 71 per cent of residents in the First Nation. Second doses of vaccine were administered in February.

A third clinic to administer the Moderna vaccine will take place April 15 and 16 on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Indigenous people aged 18 or over or people who live or work directly in the SFN community who haven’t received a first dose yet are eligible.

“This does not mean we can let our guards down and it is always possible that our Nation may be hit with another case(s),” Wyse added in the statement.

“While the vaccine is not a guaranteed immunity, it is a significant layer of protection, one that is building across our community…across Nanaimo, the Island and B.C.”

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