KITCHENER -- Six Nations of the Grand River says it is "in crisis" after a "concerning upsurge" in COVID-19 cases.
Ohsweken Public Health reported 23 active COVID-19 cases from the weekend on Wednesday evening.
Hundreds of people are now in self-isolation and community leaders said people aren't taking the disease seriously enough.
The community has 23 active cases of COVID-19, including five new cases on Thursday. That number is expected to climb as more tests are processed.
The health unit said the cases are the result of private gatherings and of people travelling from one gathering to the next.
"I was a little shocked when I saw it," resident Erica Jamieson said. "I thought we were doing good out here."
Staff from Ohsweken Public Health and Six Nations Health Services increased testing over the weekend and into this week.
"Our health care staff are exhausted and contact tracing is not yet complete. Health care perspectives and advice can't be ignored, they are working around the clock to keep us safe," director of health services Lori Davis Hill said in a news release.
"Some members that attended gatherings are symptomatic but not seeking testing, placing the community at a seriously heightened risk of exposure," Chief Mark Hill said. "Please get tested if you are unsure, it is better to be safe than sorry."
Officials believe the cases are the result of young people not following restriction rules.
"The reason I speak to the younger people is because we know, through contact tracing, that the age demographic is the 18 to 35-year-old," Hill said.
There are around 20,000 people living on Six Nations. Officials said more than 300 are self-isolating under order from public health. It's the highest number of cases the community has seen since the pandemic began.
Officials believe the cases are the result of young people not following restriction rules.
"The reason I speak to the younger people is because we know, through contact tracing, that the age demographic is the 18 to 35-year-old," Hill said.
There are 20,000 people living on Six Nations. Officials said more than 300 are self-isolating under order from public health.
"As a result, the Six Nations Police Service will be increasing patrols within our community," Hill said.
Six Nations is currently in a modified Stage 2 of the province's reopening levels. Officials said they may dial that back and add more restrictions if the outbreak doesn't improve.
That will depend on how many new cases develop from activities from the long weekend.
People living in the area are asked not to visit COVID-19 hotspots in Ontario.
Community members are reminded to limit gatherings with people outside of their immediate household, maintain physical distancing, wash hands regularly, clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and wear face coverings in indoor settings.
