Six Nations of the Grand River is reporting four new laboratory-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19.

All four began self-isolating after developing symptoms and continued to self-isolate through the testing and until the results were known, a spokesperson for Six Nations elected council said in a statement released Thursday.

The new cases bring to seven the number of people who have tested positive in the community in just over a week. The latest test results were reported on April 1.

Ohsweken Public Health said those who may have come in contact with the people who tested positive have been advised to self-isolate.

“I join the community in sending strength to all those who have received positive confirmation…,” Six Nations elected chief Mark Hill said Thursday. “Now is the time to increase our diligence as a community.

“COVID-19 is here and we must re-double our efforts to slow the spread and save lives.”

Public health officials are urging people to remain home, especially if they feel ill and practise physical distancing if they have to go out in public.

In addition, residents are urged to practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, avoid touching their faces and wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

Residents should monitor themselves for symptoms that include coughing, fever and difficulty breathing, reporting any signs immediately to the Six Nations COVID-19 Information and Assessment Centre at 1-855-977-7737 or 226-446-9909

Anyone experiencing a health emergency should immediately call 911.

Earlier this week, Six Nations set up checkpoints around the territory to restrict access in an effort to protect the community’s elders.

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