There is an isolated cluster of COVID-19 cases among staff at the New Aiyansh Health Centre in Gitlaxt’aamiks, according to a Jan. 20 Nisga’a Valley Health Authority (NVHA) communique.

The positive COVID-19 cases have affected non-direct care staff, and NVHA is making changes to reduce foot traffic to and from the health centre.

“Administration had anticipated this occurrence due to the increased transmission rate associated with the high volume of positive cases in the Nass,” the communique states.

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Clinics in Gitlaxt’aamiks are closed except for emergencies for the rest of the week and medications will be dropped off at patients’ doors today (Jan. 21) and Friday.

Internally, the health centre is reducing the number of staff in department offices, closing the staff room and reinforcing physical distancing and mask-wearing policies.

According to the communique, the NVHA is considering a reduction in patient travel to slow the spread of COVID-19. The health authority is encouraging community members to cancel and reschedule non-emergency appointments outside the Nass Valley until the virus is contained.

On Jan. 20, the The Nisga’a Lisims Government (NLG) extended the local state of emergency for the Nass Valley.

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