Dozens of personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces have left a northern First Nation after helping the community fight a serious outbreak of COVID-19.

Just over 30 cases of COVID remain in the community of Shamattawa after numbers had peaked over 100 earlier in December. Around a quarter of the population had contracted the coronavirus, and the Canadian Armed Forces sent 55 members to help between December 13 and 31.

The military left on New Year's Eve, "having completed their tasks in the community," the military says in an online post. "Alongside Shamattawa First Nation’s Chief, Council and residents, partners from provincial and federal governments, and civilian agencies, CAF personnel contributed to stabilizing a COVID-19 resurgence in the community."

The community had put in a request for assistance from the federal government.

"A radio message by Shamattawa Band Council broadcasted to the community recognized the contributions of all involved in helping the people of Shamattawa First Nation," the military says.