Cowichan Tribes has been hard hit by the virus this month. As of Jan. 11, there were 70 confirmed cases, with six people recovered, a band spokesperson said earlier. The First Nation is no longer releasing the number of cases after its members faced racism from the broader community.
Seymour has heard complaints from members who have been turned away by stores or unable get food delivered to the reserve. This has also affected those who appear Indigenous but do not live on the reserve.
“I think that’s what started this whole issue — that we have been publishing those numbers. And we were the only ones doing it,” he said.