First Nations brace for labour challenges brought by Omicron-fuelled COVID-19 surge

Many First Nations across the country are bracing for the spread of the Omicron variant as leaders prepare for labour shortages caused by COVID-19 that could be more severe in Indigenous communities.

"We are well aware that Omicron is coming," said Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

There were less than 1,000 COVID-19 cases on reserves across the country before the holiday season, but that number has quickly surged.

In Manitoba alone over the past week, there have been 1,388 new COVID-19 cases among First Nations people, shows data from the First Nations COVID-19 task force released Friday.

There are active cases in more than 40 Indigenous communities in the province despite many having high vaccination rates.