English River First Nation is calling for help from the Saskatchewan government to control the spread of COVID-19 infections in the community.

The first four cases of the virus in the First Nation occurred in the past week.

ERFN says local health officials believe they know where the virus was contracted from but they still need provincial government help to deal with the pandemic.

English River First Nation Pandemic Planning Committee Emergency Coordinator Bernie Eaglechild said they are welcoming all support to help contain the virus.

“As Saskatchewan descends their curve, we are just starting our ascent,” Eaglechild said. “As we have witnessed around the world, the shape of each curve was determined by the population’s resources and how quickly they were executed.”

The province announced Friday that it would be establishing check stops on roads leading into northern Saskatchewan as a means of controlling an outbreak in the northwestern community of La Loche.

ERFN said in a press release that these restrictions are supporting its pandemic planning committee’s emergency efforts.

The First Nation is encouraging community members to visit www.erfn.net for local COVID-19 updates.

(PHOTO: Courtesy English River First Nation Facebook page.)