VICTORIA The Snuneymuxw First Nation near Nanaimo has lifted its shelter-in-place order that was issued after a cluster of COVID-19 cases appeared in the community. The emergency order was lifted on Wednesday, after new cases of the virus dropped to zero. As of Wednesday, 36 people in the community had tested positive for COVID-19. While cases were still climbing, COVID-19 vaccines were distributed in the community to help limit the cluster. As of Wednesday, 71 per cent of the community had received the vaccine. However, Snuneymuxw leadership stress that vaccination “does not mean you are completely immune from COVID-19.” Everyone in the Nation is asked to continue following health orders issued by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, which significantly limit social interactions.
Four more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Snuneymuxw First Nation community of Vancouver Island, where the total has now reached 16 since a cluster was first announced on Jan. 1.