Long Plain First Nation, like everywhere else, is being very cautious when it comes to facing the potential threats of COVID-19. As of right now there are no confirmed cases on the reserve but they are still trying to do their best to keep the community safe and secure. Chief Dennis Meeches describes some of the guidelines they have put in place.

“Travelling restrictions, curfews have been put in place and that may even get more restrictive going forward,” says Meeches. “There’s a big concern in terms of people still out and about. Of course, that concern is being expressed by, not only first nations communities, but city governments and provincial governments.”

Meeches says they’re just continuing to act accordingly by following Manitoba Health and Health Canada’s updates. He adds they are doing their best to support all of their citizens whether they live on or off the reserve.

He talks more about how they will be supporting their community.

“The government is quite supportive of our on reserve population,” says Meeches. “We’re still reaching out to our off reserve population in terms of supplying food security which is really paramount, cleaning supplies, and health supplies.”

Meeches says he’s asked his staff to bring forward a three month calendar that will address how they are supporting their residents. He says they can then figure out more solutions when it comes to food delivery/food security and other delivery services. He notes that is still an on-going process.