COMMUNITY LOCKDOWN REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 11

Tansi!

First, I want to thank everyone who has been following the rules throughout this pandemic. It has been tough on everyone but so far it is worth it because we have not had a single case in our community. By working together, we are still virus free after 8 months. We knew this fall and winter were going to be tough and they are. Although we did not start this pandemic, we can affect how it will end for our community and our loved ones so please continue to follow the rules as they are there for the health and safety of all of us.

Cases Continue to Rise Rapidly

As of today, there are 6,307 active cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba. About 20% of these cases are First Nations people. There is wide spread community transmission everywhere. Most of the cases at Cross Lake and OCN can be traced back to attendance at a funeral. While it is very hard not to follow our traditional practices for wakes and funerals, at this time the risk is just too great.

Additional Rules in Effect During Province Wide Lockdown

During the current Province-wide lockdown, the following additional rules will be in effect for our community until at least Friday, December 11, 2020:

  • Only persons living in a household are allowed to gather together unless a person from outside the household is providing child care, elder care or other health and social services to a member of the household;
  • Weddings, wakes and funerals are limited to 5 people but services can be conducted on the radio, over the internet or on social media;
  • Church services must be cancelled unless such services can be conducted by radio, over the internet or on social media;
  • Ceremonies such as sweats must be cancelled;
  • Schools and ATEC will remain open in accordance with approved plans;
  • The Arena, Multi-plex and VLTs will be closed;
  • Children and youth will not be allowed to participate in tournaments or sporting events;
  • Three Rivers Store and the OT gas station will remain open at 25% capacity (we are looking at various alternatives to ensure the community continues to have the necessary supplies and will provide an update as soon as possible);
  • Deliveries to the check-stop will be allowed to continue on a schedule to be determined next week;
  • Orders for vehicles, ski-doos and other equipment may be held for up to 48 hours so they can be searched without causing undue delay at the check-stop;
  • Applications for any travel authorizations allowed for medical reasons, except in an emergency, must be received at least 48 hours in advance of travel.

Previous Rules That Continue in Effect:

  • No travel to southern Manitoba or out of province will be allowed except for serious medical emergencies verified by the Nurse in Charge;
  • Written authorization is required to enter and exit the community and only essential workers will be granted special entry passes;
  • Employees from outside the community will only be allowed to attend work in the community if they have a special entry pass;
  • Persons with valid permits (which can be renewed at the discounted renewal rate of $30.00) can continue to have the allowable limits of alcohol and cannabis delivered to the check stop on the authorized dates which will be announced next week;
  • No house parties, family gatherings or visiting private homes is allowed;
  • Only one person at a time is allowed to obtain supplies or services at a home-based business while the Northern Regional Health Region is Orange or Red;
  • A curfew from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am remains in effect;
  • Patrols will remain in effect for all access roads, trails, rivers and waterways that lead to NCN Lands and searches will continue during patrols and at the check stop;
  • A strict STAY AT HOME ORDER will go into effect if there is a confirmed case in the community; and
  • Fines can be issued for breach of this OIC and Provincial Public Health Orders.

PLEASE LIMIT YOUR CONTACTS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. We ALL MUST follow these rules:

  • STAY AT HOME – limit contacts to your household;
  • wash hands frequently;
  • wear a mask;
  • maintain physical distance from anyone outside your household;
  • sanitize everything frequently;
  • stay home and isolate from others in your household if you are sick.

Again, we remind everyone to be respectful to our staff as they continue to work very hard to try to keep our community safe. The searches and screening processes are critical.

PLEASE STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE!
Ekosani!