The Penticton Indian Band is calling out members who are refusing to share contact tracing information as cases surge to 19 people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
The PIB issued an update to the community announcing the most recent total of 19 positive test results on May 3.
The community notice praised the efforts of the PIB Health Team in contract tracing for positive cases, while condemning those unwilling to cooperate, either allegedly forgetting or refusing to share the information.
“The Chief and Council considers this irresponsible and dangerous,” reads the notice. “Our strongest defense against increased exposures is the knowledge that someone is at risk of an infection because then we can protect ourselves and loved ones while supporting individuals to safely isolate.”
READ MORE: COVID-19 exposure at Penticton Indian Band funeral
The band’s 19th positive test result was recorded on May 1, according to the PIB’s community notices.
Many cases have followed after a positive case that attended a funeral on PIB land on April 22.
Interior Health issued a letter to the Okanagan Indian Band to inform their members of the potential exposure on April 29.
The PIB Health Teams are also working with Interior Health for testing and tracing.
The latest community notice points out that a negative result does not mean the individual is not still potentially infected so self-isolation guidelines have been recommended for the full 14 day period.
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