We are cautiously hopeful that the spread of COVID-19 has reached a plateau in Ontario, but there is not yet a statistical decline in cases. The province wants to see a consistent two-to-four week decline in new cases before it begins re-opening the economy. The Council has voted to align with the provincial plans and extend the stay-at-home guidelines in the community until May 29th. Community safety is the top priority of the Council, so the situation will be reassessed during the week of May 19/20 to determine if the community can be safely opened on May 29th, or if the stay-at-home guidelines will be extended yet further.

The extension of the stay-at-home guidelines means that we will maintain the policies that have kept our community free of COVID-19 infection thus far. Non-essential Band programs will remain closed and non-essential Band staff will remain home until May 29th. Designated essential staff will continue to work remotely or on reduced hours, according to their program requirements. The elementary school will also remain closed during this period.

The Chief and Council are grateful for the community’s continued support and patience during this incredibly difficult period. We understand that this is immensely frustrating and challenging, for all of us, but we cannot afford to let our guard down now, out of impatience at the weeks and months spent at home. As the province tentatively seems to have reached a peak in the pandemic, and a decline in cases is forecast, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong and we will get through this, together.