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“We are deeply concerned about the actions of individuals who put our elders and vulnerable people at risk of selfishly skipping the line,” said one community leader.
The CEO of a casino company and his wife face charges after allegedly chartering a plane to a remote Indigenous community in Canada, breaking isolation requirements, and pretending to be members of the vulnerable population in order to get vaccinated against the coronavirus last week.
Rodney Baker, 55, and Ekaterina Baker, 32, were charged on Jan. 21 under the Yukon Civil Emergency Measures Act of not self-isolating for 14 days at the entrance to the territory and not to behave in a manner consistent with the declaration provided upon entry. , according to court documents provided to BuzzFeed News. They both face fines of $ 575 for each count
Until Sunday, Rodney was President and CEO of Great Canadian Gaming, where he had won millions in compensation. The company said in a statement Monday that it was “no longer affiliated in any way with Great Canadian, and left him with no form of severance pay.” Ekaterina is an actor with credits in Chick fight and the film by Mel Gibson Fat man. Her manager did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed News’ request for comment on Tuesday.
The @yukon_news decided to name the two people who have been accused of breaking self-isolation to get the Moderna vaccine in Beaver Creek. CBC North and @xjackiehong posted the first story on Friday. https://t.co/LYbdb3ynzp
The couple were first identified by Yukon News, which reported on Monday that the Bakers lied to officials at a mobile vaccination clinic in Beaver Creek, claiming they were working at a local motel, in order to get the vaccine. against COVID-19.
Beaver Creek is a remote community near the Alaskan border that is home to fewer than 125 people, many of whom are members of the White River First Nation. Local media reported that the couple first visited the city of Whitehorse before boarding a chartered plane to Beaver Creek, more than 200 miles away.
In Canada, vaccines are currently a priority for people living in remote and isolated Indigenous communities, as well as healthcare workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. According to the Government of Yukon’s vaccination plan, appointments are currently open to all residents of Beaver Creek aged 18 and over.
The White River First Nation has called for tougher penalties for the Bakers, calling their actions “blatant disregard of the rules” intended to keep their vulnerable community safe during the pandemic.
“We are deeply concerned about the actions of individuals who put our elders and vulnerable people at risk of selfishly skipping the line,” Country Leader Angela Demit said on Monday. “While we understand that many want to get vaccinated immediately, it is not appropriate to bend the rules that are put in place and approach our community in this way.”
Demit added that Beaver Creek was selected to be given priority for vaccines due to its remoteness, elderly and high-risk population, and limited access to health care.
Ekaterina Baker’s Instagram was filled with posts about staying home, quarantining and protecting communities. I fear it would be vindictive, rather than journalistic, to share this, but it suggests the Bakers knew the implications of their actions.
After receiving a dose of the vaccine, the couple asked if they could “take an elevator to the airport,” a request that workers declined as they were busy vaccinating community members, the couple said. Yukon Community Services Minister John Streicker in a video clip. shared by CBC News.
CEMA law enforcement officials, who were made aware of the couple’s behavior, responded at the Whitehorse airport where they found the Bakers boarding a flight out of the Northwest Territory.
“[Officials] were able to confirm that the couple had violated the territory’s self-isolation requirements and were not following the statements they provided upon entering the territory, “Streicker said in a statement provided to BuzzFeed News., and finds it disturbing that people choose to endanger their compatriots in this way. “
He said the incident was reported to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The law enforcement agency told BuzzFeed News it is looking into the matter.
Meanwhile, British Columbia – where bakers actually live – is on the brink of another COVID-19 peak. British Columbia health worker Dr Bonnie Henry said the couple should be “ashamed” for endangering the small community of Beaver Creek.
“I am very saddened and disappointed that people are doing this, but I am also comforted to know that the vast majority of people in Canada and British Columbia do not think this way and know that the approach we have to protect those who are most vulnerable is one they support, ”Henry said.
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