COVID-19 case reported in Penticton Indian Band, contact tracing underway

A case of COVID-19 has been reported in the Penticton Indian Band, according to its community website.

"The Penticton Indian Band Emergency Operations Centre has just been notified of a positive COVID 19 test result within our PIB community. The PIB nursing team are in the early stages of contact tracing," reads the notice.

"It has been strongly recommended that anyone who attended the wake and/or funeral of our Nation member in Oliver on Sept. 10 and 11 self-isolate immediately, and self-monitor for symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue."

As of July 31 the percentage of First Nations individuals living on-reserve reported positive for COVID-19 across the country was one-quarter the rate of the general Canadian population, according to the Government of Canada website.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate for First Nations individuals living on reserve is about one-fifth that of the fatality rate in the general Canadian population and more than 80 per cent of those testing positive for COVID-19 have recovered

Those affected are asked to contact PIB Health at 236-700-0674. 

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