iN VIDEO: Single case of COVID-19 at Penticton Indian Band grows to 12

A single case of COVID-19 five days ago has grown to 12 infections as of yesterday at the Penticton Indian Band.

A notice to the community posted on the band’s website states of the 12 cases, four people were experiencing severe symptoms. The first case was reported on Jan. 28, resulting in temporary closure of the band’s administration office.

Chief Greg Gabriel and the band council have recommended extending the closure of the band’s administration buildings with employees now working remotely.

Chief Gabriel spoke to the band yesterday via video, urging members to cooperate with a stay at home or shelter in place declaration, and avoid social contact. While it is not a public health order, the band wants the members to know is is a critical situation.

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Chief Gabriel asked for cooperation and support from the band to limit spread of COVID-19. He said the band’s health team was overwhelmed and reaching out to the broader community for help to carry on testing, urging members to “work together to get this under control."

"Our next step would have to be something like an order,” band spokesperson Dawn Russell said. “We want the membership to understand the seriousness of what is happening. Stay at home, and only go out when absolutely necessary.”


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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