The September election for Dene national chief could be postponed and the military may be called upon due to a severe COVID-19 outbreak in the Sahtu.

SA国际影视传媒淲e are basically fighting for our survival,SA国际影视传媒� incumbent Dene National Chief Norman Yakeleya, who hails from the region, said on Aug. 19. SA国际影视传媒淲e are working with their leadership, and we are urgently, strongly, sending a message to the people to be safe, to help one another.SA国际影视传媒�

The Dene Nation is implementing a SA国际影视传媒渞apid response COVID teamSA国际影视传媒� to help deal with the situation, according to Yakeleya.

SA国际影视传媒淪imilar to what we did when the floods were impacting the [communities],SA国际影视传媒� he said.

With the support of the chiefs, the Dene Nation is also pondering a request for military assistance, possibly in the form of the Canadian Rangers.

With health and security issues being the current top priority, Yakeleya may pause the upcoming Dene Nation annual general meeting and election, for which heSA国际影视传媒檚 already expressed interest in seeking another term.

SA国际影视传媒淚 have called a meeting of the grand chiefs to discuss the election date (and) the AGM, given the situation of COVID in our small communities,SA国际影视传媒� said Yakeleya. SA国际影视传媒淚 would like to work with our leadership to see and assess the situation in terms of: do we go ahead with the election (and) AGM?SA国际影视传媒�

Yakeleya urges communities to follow COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing masks and continuing to wash hands. As well, those feeling sick are asked seek help from appropriate clinics.

For those who test negative for the coronavirus, Yakeleya recommends that individuals do what they can to help community members in need.

SA国际影视传媒淕o out there, be safe, let people know where you are,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭hat will help other people in the communities who are positive and need a place to stay.SA国际影视传媒�