Current COVID-19 Situation in Ross River
Ross River Dena Council advises all community members that as of Tuesday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m. we are still waiting for the results of PCR testing after multiple community members tested positive using rapid tests over the weekend. The use of PCR testing will help confirm if the “presumptive” positive cases announced on Sunday are indeed positive. Results are expected later today or tomorrow and Council will provide more information as soon as it becomes available.
In the meantime, here’s the latest on what is happening in the community:
- The Dena General Store will be offering pick-up and delivery services only today from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. To place an order please call (867) 969-2280 or send an email to [email protected] and someone will respond as soon as possible. It is strongly encouraged that community members request delivery services this week as this is the safest way to shop locally.
- The Post Office will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. today, however mail pick-up will be at the front door only. It is strongly encouraged that community members drive to the store and wait in your vehicles, if possible.
- Tu Lidlini Petroleum will be re-opening today from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and asks drivers to take precautions by keeping hand sanitizer in your vehicles (for use before and after using the pump) and to wear a mask and practice physical distancing if you need to see the attendant. For safety reasons the card lock is strongly recommended.
- Ross River Dena Council employees will continue to work from home until further notice.
- The Ross River Health Centre will be offering boosters and vaccinations for community members (Ages 18+) from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Call (867) 969-4444 to book an appointment. Walk-ins will also be accepted, but it’s a good idea to call ahead, if possible.
- Rapid testing kits are available for anyone who was in attendance at Ross River School last week, as there were some presumptive positives over the weekend involving community members who were at the school. If you are feeling symptoms, even minor symptoms, please call the Ross River COVID-19 Support Line at (867) 747-0099 and a member of our team will deliver the rapid tests, along with a Self-Test Information Kit to your door. You will be asked to provide your name, address, telephone number and a preferred time for delivery (i.e. morning, afternoon, evening).
Please watch for more updates in the coming days as we work together with our partners to help prevent the spread of Omicron in rural Yukon as much as possible.
Council is taking this outbreak very seriously and asks that all community members please pay close attention to the guidelines and safety measures in place to help protect our elders, our families and the most vulnerable members of our community.
This week Ross River will be watching as other rural northern communities face extraordinary challenges, and our thoughts and prayers will be with all of our brothers and sisters in the Northwest Territories and across the North during the difficult days and weeks ahead.
Unfortunately, we too must prepare for these challenges, as the risk of community spread in Ross River is very possible as well. Community spread is a term used when the spread of the virus can no longer be traced back to one or two households or individuals, and this is a reality for many communities right now.
As we move forward, our priority will be to ensure support services are ready for those who will be self-isolating and those who may need assistance if there is an emergency.
Today we are asking all Ross River citizens to please prepare for the possibility of more closures and enhanced safety measures during the month of January and possibly early February. This is an important time for us to work together, support one another and ensure all community members have the tools and the support needed to get through a difficult situation. Please stay safe, stay connected and stay prepared.
If you have any questions, if you would like more information, if you would like to volunteer or would like to make suggestions to the RRDC COVID-19 Action Plan Working Group, please call the Ross River COVID-19 Support Line at (867) 747-0099. Your input and involvement is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Ross River Dena Council