'Pray for us:' community struggling during COVID-19 lockdown

A pastor says an isolated community is now facing even more restrictions as COVID-19 is forcing residents into a second level of isolation.

After 19 people tested positive for COVID-19 following an event, Little Grand Rapids First Nation residents are now restricted to their homes.

Dr. Brent Roussin says that after an event in the isolated community, 19 people have contracted COVID-19. In partnership with the council and chiefs in Little Grand Rapids, the community is now placed in Red: Critical by the province. Roussin says that this will last for at least one incubation period of the virus.

"This is after attending events at the recreation centre in that community."

Hilda Leveque, a pastor in Little Grand Rapids First Nation, says due to the news her list of prayers is growing.

"Especially in an isolated community, it is harder for the ones that are going to be in isolation in their homes."

The community is concerned for members who have contracted the virus and those who needed to leave the community due to health concerns, including children needing to isolate in Winnipeg. Leveque is asking for prayers for the children who have left their community due to the outbreak and is glad they are closer to medical facilities in the city. 

"There is a lot of prayers needed here."

She says the nursing station's capabilities are limited at that the nurses have a lot of work ahead of them and in need of prayers as well.

"It is very hard. It is a different feeling, a different atmosphere setting in because of the COVID."

The Pastor says the community has come to a halt as everyone stays home. She says education is important for their children, but teachers are having a difficult time teaching. 

She says she is also concerned for front-line workers in her community, including her son who works as security at the nursing station in the community.

As the community sits idle at home for a month, Leveque says people are concerned about their neighbours and how they will all cope with the loss of in-person conversations.

Leveque says the church has also closed.

"Church life is in a standstill right now. We are not having any meetings."

Still connecting to the pastor, Leveque is receiving phone calls from community members asking for prayers.

"A lot of requests come in through our phones. Being pastors, they all phone in need of prayer. I usually pray through the phone or say 'I am going to pray for you' and they will be on my list."

Leveque's prayer list is now growing, and the pastor is glad to hear people feel better knowing they have someone praying for them.

The community is connecting to God through phone and video call conversations as well as through a Facebook Social Distancing Praise & Worship group.

She says prayers for the community is appreciated during their time of isolation.

"Pray for us that it will decrease and that everyone who has a case, for the Lord's protection, and that they will recover. I would like all of them to recover and not to come back to us in a casket."

Leveque is praying for a return to normal.