COVID-19 cases linked to Six Nations midwinter's ceremonies from Jan. 15 to 26

Six Nations is encouraging members who attended recent midwinter's ceremonies to come forward and get tested, after Ohsweken Public Health (OPH) identified positive COVID-19 cases in some individuals.

The cases were identified in members that attended midwinter's ceremonies from Jan. 15 to 26, Six Nations of the Grand River said in a news release.

"This is not a matter of shaming," communications officer Candace Lee Lickers wrote in an email to CBC Hamilton. 

"Ohsweken Public Health [is] concerned with doing their part to help contain the virus and reduce further spread into the community."

OPH is pleading with the community to seek immediate testing for COVID-19 if they attended the ceremonies (masked or not), or came into contact with other members who attended the ceremony.

It was not immediately clear how many ceremonies were held during the 12 days or how many people attended.

OPH says if members are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or feel they may have engaged in any high-risk activities that would make them susceptible to COVID-19, they should book their test online immediately.

"This COVID-19 pandemic is very mentally draining on everyone," said Lori Davis Hill, director of health services.

"Testing is not about shaming members, but more so about reducing further spread into the community, and we are pleading with members to come forward to be tested."

Individuals experiencing even the mildest symptoms need to seek testing as soon as possible, and to self-isolate while they wait for test results, or if they have been contacted by public health to remain in self-isolation until cleared, OPH said.

Those battling COVID-19 are encouraged to maintain connections with the local public health office and to contact them for further guidance, or with concerns on member's certain circumstances, at 519-445-2672.

Second person dies at Six Nations

Meanwhile, Six Nations says a second community member passed away over the weekend after contracting COVID-19.

"Heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers are sent to the families at this time as they mourn the loss of their loved one," Six Nations said in a news release.

"Please know we acknowledge the community's fatigue from COVID-19, but we must remain diligent in our response for our elders and most vulnerable. We must continue to consider their health whenever deciding to leave the safety of our homes."