As has been expected for days, the Ontario government announced on April 7, 2021 that the province would enter a period of lockdown beginning April 8, in response to an alarming spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. The move by the province comes on the heels of what officials had called an “emergency brake”, also aimed at stopping the rise in cases.

The new stay-at-home order is a more concerted attempt to prevent the virus from running out of control before widespread vaccinations have a chance to dampen the spread. The shutdown is expected to last a minimum of 4 weeks.

In Neyaashiinigmiing, the CNUFN Council had already imposed a lockdown in concert with the emergency brake, following the guidelines for a Grey Zone in the province’s Emergency Response Framework. As that is the highest level of prevention and preparedness, additional measures will not be imposed in the community of Neyaashiinigmiing at this time.

Band Offices and Programs are expected to remain open until further notice. In-person staff levels may be impacted, depending on the office, as well the number of in-person services available to the public during the lockdown. Before visiting an office, please call ahead to confirm that the office is open and the specific service you’re seeking is available.

We want to assure all residents and members that our community remains safe and healthy. We know that another lockdown is frustrating and unwelcome, but each day and every vaccination brings us a step closer to the end of the pandemic and recovery from the profound impact this health crisis has had on our community.

If you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 yet, please call the Nawash Health Centre at 519-534-0373 to schedule your potentially life-saving shot. Whether you have been vaccinated or not, keep the people around you safe and continue to follow pandemic safety protocols.

• Wear a mask outside your home.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Watch your distance and remain at least 2 meters from people you don’t live with.

We are immensely grateful for the patience, strength and support of all our community members. Stay healthy, stay strong! Miigwech!

In response to an alarming rise in the number of cases of COVID-19 in the province, the Ontario government is imposing an emergency brake, as of April 3, 2021. This shutdown, while not called a “lockdown”, will still follow the Grey Zone lockdown guidelines set out in the provincial colour-coded COVID-19 response framework.

To stay in sync with the Provincial direction, the Council of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation has decided to move Neyaashiinigmiing into lockdown as of April 3, 2021, as well. Band programs and offices will remain open with strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. While in lockdown, the use of public indoor fitness facilities is prohibited. During the emergency brake period, provincial regulations with respect to pandemic restrictions are in effect, and enforceable on the reserve. You can review a summary of how the lockdown may impact businesses and individuals in Neyaashiinigmiing here.

The pandemic is not over, but Neyaashiinigmiing has been and remains a safe and healthy community, thanks to the patience, wisdom, and strength of our residents. We know that yet another lockdown is difficult for all of us, but we will survive this one, and as many more as necessary until the pandemic is behind us.

Our best course of action now is to be strong, support each other, and get vaccinated as soon as we can. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and our only path out of the pandemic. A majority of adults 16+ in Neyaashiinigmiing have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with each shot making us a little safer, and bringing us one step closer to normalcy. If you haven’t received your COVID-19 vaccination, make an appointment today.

Remember: always keep the people around you safe. Continue to follow pandemic safety protocols.

• Wear a mask outside your home.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Watch your distance and remain at least 2 meters from people you don’t live with.