Offices close as multiple Squamish Nation employees test positive for coronavirus

The Squamish Nation is reporting multiple cases of coronavirus within its community, including among its employees. The nation has closed its offices for two weeks as a result.

According to a bulletin posted to the nation’s website, all cases have been linked to the first confirmed case on the Capilano IR #5 region and contract tracing has begun.

“There is no need to panic. The patients are informed, isolated, and receiving care,” the release said. “As per public health protocols, all close contacts are already in isolation and are being tested. The public health agencies are leading all contact tracing work, and we are working closely with Vancouver Coastal Health and [First Nations Health Authority] to ensure all public health and safety measures are being followed.”

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Some of the impacted community members are employees of the nation, leading the managing directors to call a two-week closure of all of the nation’s offices. All non-essential employees will be working from home during this time, and visitors will not be allowed into the offices.

Anyone who knows that they came into close contact with an infected or symptomatic individual is asked to call 8-1-1 and self-isolate.

Capilano IR #5 take up 1.72 square kilometres of land with a population of 2,700 people, according to the census. Part of the region is leased out to other parties, including Park Royal Towers and the Park Royal Shopping Centre.