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OTTAWA — Manitoba Hydro is trying to prevent COVID-19 from reaching the 1,300 people working at the northern Keeyask generating station megaproject, though the nearest First Nation wants the site closed.

"We’re trying to protect our community," said Nathan Neckoway, a councillor at Tataskweyak Cree Nation, 725 kilometres (by road) north of Winnipeg. "It’s about lives."

The multibillion-dollar project employs scores of American contractors, as well as locals from four nearby First Nations.

As of Tuesday, Hydro has flown at least five symptomatic employees or contractors south on isolated flights "as a precautionary measure," in order to be tested for the novel coronavirus.

TCN Chief Doreen Spence said that has stoked fears, as many locals working on the Keeyask site are immunocompromised.

On Monday, camp managers closed its theatre and lounge, cancelled sports, and started shifting food service to take-out.

"The safety of our staff, contractors, and local communities in the area is of paramount importance to Manitoba Hydro as we deal with COVID-19," wrote spokesman Scott Powell, who said Hydro activated its pandemic plan on the site last week.

As of March 12, Powell said workers who were abroad have had to isolate for two weeks. He said anyone who shows coronavirus symptoms is isolated in a special dorm, before being flown out.

It’s unclear whether any of the airlifted workers tested positive.

"Whether these individuals receive a COVID test will be up to medical staff in their home cities," Powell said.

York Landing First Nation Chief Leroy Constant said his band hopes Hydro can contain the site. York Landing shares a contract for security and catering in the camp.

"The next step, just for everybody’s safety, is to look at potentially shutting the camp down," he said. "We’re willing to work with whatever Manitoba Hydro is proposing."

Spence said she raised her concerns directly by text message with Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations Eileen Clarke; her office declined an interview Tuesday.

In a conference call Tuesday, Hydro told the four First Nations if Keeyask construction ceased, the site would still need 200 people to keep things running safely.

That same day, provincial officials asked Manitobans to cancel any gatherings of more than 50 people.

Weeks-long delays would likely cost taxpayers millions, as the province renewed construction contracts.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca