SACHIGO LAKE FIRST NATION – Passengers travelling from Sioux Lookout to Sachigo Lake First Nation were not allowed to disembark from a North Star Air Flight on Tuesday after the crew was informed one of the passengers onboard had tested positive for COVID-19.
The airline on Wednesday said they received a call from a Sachigo Lake councillor, about 10 minutes before the plane was scheduled to land in the remote Indigenous community, informing them of the positive test.
“North Star Air immediately contacted the flight crew and enacted its Emergency COVID Procedure. Upon landing in Sachigo, the flight crew did not let any passengers off the aircraft and kept all community members away from the aircraft. The plane then returned directly to Sioux Lookout where the passengers were transported to an isolation ward,” reads a statement issued to media by the company.
“The aircraft returned empty back to Thunder Bay where the pilots entered self-isolation and the aircraft grounded. This flight did not land in any other communities.”
North Star air said it took a number of COVID-19 priorities in the aftermath of the discovery. The flight crew has entered self-isolation in Thunder Bay awaiting tests for the virus. The plane has been quarantined in Thunder Bay and will not receive clearance to fly again until it's been fully disinfected, undergoes multiple rounds of physical cleaning and is fumigated.
North Star Air stressed none of their pilots has tested positive, quashing a rumour that had been making the rounds.
“These are unfounded social media comments that only create anxiety in the Northern communities. Please appreciate that this event is concerning for both the passengers and flight crew. The crew handled the situation in accordance with company procedure while maintaining a professional attitude with the passengers.”
Anyone with concerns can contact the airline at customercare@northstarair.com or by phoning 807-474-2895.
