Bearskin Lake chief says community near 'breaking point,' needs urgent federal help

The chief of Bearskin Lake says the remote northern Ontario community is "almost at a breaking point" after half of its population tested positive for COVID-19, as he renewed his call for immediate federal help.

Chief Lefty Kamenawatamin joined other Indigenous leaders at a news conference Friday to ask ministers to send urgent aid including staff to distribute essential supplies such as food, water and wood for stoves to keep residents warm in freezing temperatures.

"We need the help now and boots on the ground," he said.

The First Nation is in a state of emergency as COVID-19 has infected 201 of its 400 residents, including elders and a nine-month-old baby. The outbreak has meant that a large proportion of the community is isolating.

There are now only around 30 front-line workers in the community able to deliver essential supplies to people forced to isolate because they or family members have tested positive, Kamenawatamin said.