New Advisory for Lax Kw'alaams residents notes measures now in place after word of COVID in Haida Gwaii

The Lax Kw'alaams Band Council has issued a new advisory for its residents, noting that they believe there is an increased risk for COVID in the Prince Rupert area, including their own community north of Tuck Inlet.

In the update posted earlier today, Lax Kw'alaams relays some of the measures that are in place when it comes to the work of contractors that may be working in the community and includes the restrictions that will be in place for those members of the Band that live outside of the current catchment area of West of Prince George.

No one is allowed from outside the catchment area, whether Band members or not. This includes Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, or any area south or east of Prince George. 

The above does not apply to teachers but they must self-isolate for 14 days. We do this so that our children may continue their educational year.

The Band council also notes that they have ordered 2500 masks, with some of that supply having already been received, they observe that the Band's CAO will be equipping essential services for Council and staff.

The Band will also will be minimizing any patient travel in and out of the community except when absolutely essential.

Passengers on the Lax Kw'alaams ferry are required to use
masks while in transit, with other COVID related measures
in place on the vessel
(BC Gov't photo)

The Update also notes  some of the transportation elements that could be impacted by the reports of COVID in the northwest, particularly that walk on passengers for the Lax Kw'alaams Ferry are obliged to wear masks, and other measures are in place on the vessel.

The Band also has relayed the steps they will take if there are reports of COVID-19 made in Prince Rupert.

If COVID-19 appears in Prince Rupert, the community will go into shutdown. Community groceries will resume. Lax Kw’alaams grocery retailers will be allowed to send their vehicles into Prince Rupert but the vehicles must be picked up and stocked at Aero Point. 

If a case appears in Lax Kw’alaams, the community will be shut down immediately. Residents will have to isolate in their homes and security will be asked to patrol the community. Tuck and the harbour will be monitored to prevent entry. 

The bridge on the Tuck road will be shut down at night should we go into shutdown, so be forewarned.

Band Council officials in Lax Kw'alaams are keeping an eye
on COVID related news, prepared to lock the community
down if an outbreak is reported in the Prince Rupert area

You can review the full list of their measures here.

The full listings of their past advisories can be reviewed here.

As we outlined on Friday, Northern Health provided background on the initial reports of the community outbreak of COVID-19 on Haida Gwaii on Friday afternoon; at yesterday's Provincial update, one more case was added to that community outbreak, which now numbers 14 for those affected on the Islands.

For more notes on the Provincial response to COVID see our archive page here.

A look at past items of interest from Lax Kw'alaams is available here.