Military will help Pauingassi First Nation deal with COVID-19 pandemic, says prime minister

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the military will help an Indigenous community in northern Manitoba where COVID-19 cases have spiked.

Trudeau said during a briefing in Ottawa on Friday that the federal government has approved a request for help from the Pauingassi First Nation.

He said the military was to arrive by Saturday and would stay until Wednesday.

Soldiers are to provide logistical support, transport goods and medical supplies, and do wellness checks.

Manitoba reported 110 new infections Friday for a total of 3,353 active cases. Health officials also reported one new death a woman in her 40s from the Winnipeg area.

Some 838 people have died in Manitoba from COVID-19.