By Canadian Press

Indigenous minister worries lifting COVID-19 restrictions could bring fourth wave

Aug 4, 2021 | 10:27 AM

WINNIPEG — Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says he is concerned provinces that are lifting COVID-19 restrictions could lead to a Delta-driven fourth wave among Indigenous people.

Miller says many areas of the country opened too quickly last year, causing a dangerous and devastating second wave among Indigenous communities. 

Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are moving away from their COVID-19 restrictions and mask mandates. 

There have been more than 33,000 positive cases on reserves — the vast majority on the Prairies.

Miller says there has been a good uptick of vaccinations among Indigenous people, but a large proportion of the population, especially on reserves, are children under the age of 12, who are not eligible to get a dose. 

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He says there are still issues with overcrowded houses and other factors that keep many Indigenous populations more at risk of infection and severe outcomes if another COVID-19 wave happens.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2021. 

The Canadian Press