Elder at Iroquois Lodge among three recent Covid deaths

Three more Six Nations community members have died, one of them, an elder at the long-term care home, Iroquois Lodge.

The latest deaths, announced January 13, brings the Covid death toll in the community to 18. One person passed on January 9 and two additional people lost their lives to the illness on January 10.

One of these community members was a resident of Iroquois Lodge, which is experiencing an outbreak of Covid-19.

“Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council would like to send their deepest condolences to the families of these community members, and continue to think of all who have lost a loved one to this pandemic. SNGREC would also like to commend the staff of Iroquois Lodge who work diligently and tirelessly to keep their residents safe and healthy.”

These are the first deaths related to COVID-19 reported on Six Nations since November 18, 2021.

The number of active cases on Six Nations remains high. As of the last update on January 16 there are 97 active cases. In the last seven days, seven people have been hospitalized and 292 people are in self isolation.

Unvaccinated community members continue to lead transmission statistics with 68% of positive cases being among unvaccinated residents. A total of 222 cases or 29% of positive cases are among double vaccinated residents.

So far OPH has not announced any cases that are confirmed to be the Omicron variant — however provincial health officials say it is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the province.

Six Nations is also reporting disproportionately high positivity rates per 100,000. In Ontario, Six Nations is now reporting 1,120 per 100,000 — comparatively  Brantford/Brant is sitting at 740 per 100,000; Haldimand-Norfolk is at 571 per 100,000 and Hamilton is at 861 per 100,000.

To date: Six Nations has seen 1309 residents contract the COVID-19 virus since the beginning of the pandemic.

Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to follow all public health guidelines and remain vigilant.

This includes wearing a medical-grade mask (surgical, KN95, or N95, if possible), frequently washing/sanitizing your hands, physical distancing, avoiding large crowds and getting vaccinated if you haven’t already, including third doses if you are eligible.

Community members are reminded of the importance of self-isolating if you have symptoms, if you have come into contact with a positive case of Covid-19, or if you have been directed to do so by a healthcare professional. All those who are able to work from home at this time are encouraged to do so.

Covid-19 tests and vaccines can be booked online at www.sixnationscovid19.ca. Walk-in appointments are also available for all vaccines from Monday to Thursday, 9:00am – 4:00pm, at Dajoh Youth and Elders Centre (1738 4th Line).

Anyone who is struggling at this difficult time and needs support is encouraged to reach out to the Six Nations Mobile Crisis Line, available 24/7 at 519-445-2204 or toll-free at 1-866-445-2204.

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