'Our community is grieving': Six Nations mourns first death from COVID-19

Six Nations of the Grand River says one of its membershas died fromCOVID-19.

In a media release Wednesday evening officials said the community's first death connected to the novel coronavirus comes less than two weeks after its first case was confirmed on March 28.

"Given the increased risk of mortality within First Nations communities, we've been trying to prepare for this, but you never really can, can you?" said ElectedChief Mark Hill. "Our community is grieving today. Our hearts go out to thefamily."

There are currently eight cases of COVID-19 on Six Nations territory.

Six Nations declared a communityemergency on March 13. Itselected council is working with theHaudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council to respond to the virus and has closednon-essential services and schools as well as directed staff to work from home.

Officials havealso set up barriers to restrictaccess to Six Nationsterritory in order to protectelders and other vulnerable members a measure that has been publicly supported by surrounding communities and emergency services.

Public health iscontinuing to warnresidents to physically distance themselves in order to stopthe spread of COVID-19.

"When all of this is over, we will hold each other close," said Hill. "But right now, we need to show unimaginable strength and do everything in our power to ensure we do not lose anymore lives."