Siksika reports first on-reserve case of COVID-19

The Siksika First Nation has recorded its first COVID-19 case involving someone living on the reserve, which is about 100 kilometres southeast of Calgary.

Chief Ouray Crowfoot says four previous positive cases involved people with ties to the First Nation, but they didn't live there.

"This is a time to remain calm and patient. This is a time to remain strong and to continue to care, and to be kind to one another," Crowfoot said in a Facebook video posted Wednesday.

Those five people in total are all isolated and being supported by the First Nation. Four of the five were discovered from rigorous testing done on the reserve.

"We were one of the first to establish testing capacities on the nation for seven days a week. Our public health team quickly follows up with all suspected individuals to support them and contain any spread."

Crowfoot says about 800 tests have been completed, and health officials investigated about 500 people who may have been infected.

"We have created isolation options to support those who cannot isolate safely at home," he said.

"This is a time for compassion and support, not blame."