An urgent plea from the Chief of Grand Council Treaty Three to refrain from spreading rumours, half-truths, and hearsay during the pandemic.
Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh is responding to a recent COVID-19 outbreak in the Kenora area and misinformation that is being spread.
Kavanaugh admits its been difficult for leadership and service providers to make informed decisions due to the constant spread of false news.
Kavanaugh stresses in order for the region to effectively respond to the outbreaks we must ensure that we only share factual information.
He notes this will result in local decisions that are based on facts and not upon fear and confusion.
Kavanaugh adds we can’t allow rumours to create divisions at a critical time when vaccines have started arriving in the region.
In a statement he says, “By creating fear and mistrust, this misinformation is harming the efforts of service providers and may cause individuals to hide symptoms rather than seek the help that ultimately stops the spread. Being thoughtful about the information we spread, being kind, and remaining calm while staying home is the greatest contributions that citizens can make to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the Treaty #3 Territory.”
In order for our region to effectively respond to these outbreaks we must all ensure that we only share factual information. We must do this so that decisions can be made based upon fact and not upon fear and confusion. https://t.co/iNncGv2epH
— Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh (@OgichidaaKav) February 22, 2021
