FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins says all retail outlets on the reserve will be closed for at least two weeks.
Collins on Tuesday said the decision was made at the most recent council meeting.
The order will come into effect on Friday at 6 p.m.
“All retail outlets will also be required to close on this effective date. The Mission Road security check points will be moved to Bannon’s Gas Bar and the intersection at Mountain Road and also Chippewa Road,” Collins said in a video posted to the band’s official Facebook page on Tuesday.
“This motion will be reviewed in 14 days to determine if any further COVID-19 response from chief and council.”
Collins, addressing his membership, said it wasn’t an easy decision to make, but one he and council feels is the right one to keep those living in Fort William First Nation safe.
“At the same time, as we see the numbers grow in Ontario, as we see the numbers grow in Thunder Bay District, it’s a very challenging time for us,” Collins said. “I know we haven’t had any cases in Fort William, and I thank God for that ... And we want to keep it that way.”
Collins is also urging residents to stay in Fort William First Nation, unless absolutely necessary. That would include urgent medical care and groceries, as part of the shut-down to non-residents.
“Those working for essential businesses operating on and off-reserve will be allowed in and out, but must be identified by their employer,” Collins said, adding there will be strict criteria put in place to determine who can and can’t enter the community.
Collins said it’s up to everyone to do their part to keep the virus at bay.
“We need your support and we need your help to get us through this situation. At the end of the day, God forbid we lose anybody, but we’re going to everything in the power of your leadership and your senior management to do what we have to do to protect this community,” Collins said.
Walter Bannon, who owns Bannon's Gas Bar, said his station will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 pm. until Friday.
"Stay safe and we will post when we will open. At this point, the council has set 14 days for this action," he posted to Facebook.
