Submitted by MN-S
As many people are aware, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) President Glen McCallum has recently been diagnosed with COVID-19. He is currently isolating in accordance with health authority directions.
MN-S commends Premier Moe and the Province of Saskatchewan for making COVID- 19 testing more accessible with the recent opening of two drive-through testing centres, and with their efforts to check in with those impacted by this virus. Testing and contact tracing are critical tools in the fight against COVID-19.
McCallum remarked, “In this fight against COVID-19, the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan and the provincial government are partners. We will do whatever we can to slow this virus and help our citizens who are affected.”
President McCallum wishes to thank everyone who has called and sent messages of support to his family. He hopes to get back to work, fighting for Saskatchewan’s Métis, as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, there are now media stories circulating that contain inaccurate information about the steps taken by President McCallum and his staff both before and following his diagnosis. MN-S has reached out to concerned individuals, in some cases repeatedly, to offer assistance, including numerous attempts to contact the owner of the Hawood Inn over the weekend
There are many inaccuracies circulating. At no time did the number of people in the room at the MN–S Minister meeting go over the maximum of 30 people allowed by the provincial Health Order. As well, the president and the MN–S reacted quickly to inform those in attendance and hotel staff of the positive diagnosis. The time between learning of the diagnosis, notifying those in attendance, and notifying the facilities was less than 30 minutes. Upon learning of his diagnosis, the president immediately left the premises and went directly into isolation.
MN–S is dismayed that any media outlet would publish biased and inaccurate content that attacks the character, credit, and reputation of Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. In this time of rampant misinformation, the public is turning to media outlets for critical information, and content needs to be properly vetted.
It is not helpful to shame anyone online with respect to this virus - it is important that others continue to be tested without fear of reprisal. This ongoing global pandemic is difficult enough, please do not make it harder by shaming people and spreading disinformation online and through the media. Jumping to unwarranted conclusions is a divisive tactic that only serves those who do not have the public’s health at the top of their agenda.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to the hotel,” said President McCallum, “and we have reached out to offer assistance. I sincerely hope that this difficult moment for my family does not discourage anyone from getting tested for COVID-19.
Nobody is safe from the spread of this disease. Please get tested even if, like me, you are asymptomatic and are not known to have contact with anyone exposed to COVID-19. This should not discourage anyone from voluntary checks.”
MN-S encourages everyone to follow the public health advice of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and to contact them if you have any questions about when to get tested or how to protect yourself and others.
