COVID-19 concerns lead to voluntary 10-day lockdown in Fort McPherson, N.W.T.

The community of Fort McPherson, N.W.T., went into a voluntary 10-day lock down Jan. 15after 28 people had to go into self-isolation due toCOVID-19 exposures.

Peoplein the hamlet of730 people are being asked to stick to their household bubbles.The hamlet and housing offices have closed.

"Just as a precaution and as a concern, we decided that's the easiest and best way to address COVID-19 in the community," Mayor Richard Nerysoo told CBC Northwindhost Wanda McLeod.

Nerysoo said people shouldnot visit around the community and should follow "all the rules thatthe chief public health officer has provided to us."

"They're not there to make things more difficult," he said."They're intended to protect families and those that we love and we just need to follow them and then move forward."

He said they want people who have tested positive to know they are cared for.

"We're going to deliver care packages whether or not it's cleaning supplies or maybe food," Nerysoosaid."We'lldeal with the issues of grocery delivery if that's necessary. "

Nerysoo said the lockdown is an opportunity for people to go outdoors and do healthy things like chop wood,and spend time with their family on the land.

Over the next sevendays,Nerysoo said the community leadership will "see where things are at" in terms of numbers.

He's been on the community radio station and said the hamlet will be finding other ways to keep people updated, including using the hamlet's Facebook page.

Nerysoo said he also appreciated the advice and support they've had from Aklavik, which also put in place a voluntary lock downearlier this month.