SOCIAL GATHERINGS
We are all experiencing unprecedented times and uncertainty in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us continue to miss the personal contact with family, friends and loved ones. This is understandable, though these sacrifices are helping keep you, your family and the community safe from a COVID-19 outbreak and have contributed to seeing an encouraging downward trend in new cases across the province.

With the Spring weather and holiday weekend upon us, it becomes more tempting to engage in social gatherings. While there has been short-term positive progress in the fight against this pandemic, we all must remain diligent with physical distancing and personal protective practices in order to continue this positive trend and avoid a secondary spike in COVID-19 cases.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND CIVIL PROTECTION ACT
Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) the province has implemented many emergency orders for the purpose of controlling the spread of COVID-19 in communities. These orders remain in effect until at least May 19th, 2020 at which time the province may elect to extend some or all of these orders further.

While the province has recently amended some restrictions to essential services and retail outlets, an order under the EMCPA continues to prohibit public or social gatherings of greater than 5 persons. This does not apply to five or more persons who reside in the same household. This order applies to social gatherings on either public or private property. The Neyaashiinigmiing Police will take all reasonable and appropriate steps to achieve voluntary compliance through education. However, any person who fails or refuses to comply with this order is subject to a $750.00 fine under the EMCPA.

Let’s continue to protect and respect the most vulnerable in our community and get through this pandemic safely and in good health.

Respectfully,
Vince Wurfel- Supervisor
Neyaashiinigmiing Police