FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION - After a lockdown in the community, which included the closure of all vendors, Fort William First Nation plans to reopen next week.
The band council passed a motion Wednesday evening stating that all businesses in the community can reopen on Monday May 4 to the community of Fort William First Nation and on Tuesday May 5 to the general public.
Council said that if any cases of COVID-19 are found in the community it reserves the right to order businesses to close again.
The initial order was instituted on April 14 and extended to May 1. The measure was put in place to limit access to the community to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Stores will be required to follow all health guidelines and will incure penalties if failing to do so. Restaurant's can also only provide takeout service. Businesses will be permitted to be open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
A bylaw officer will be hired to ensure this bylaw and all bylaws instituted by council will be followed.
First Class Gas opened on Monday during the 24-hour curfew but closed again on Tuesday after Anishinabek Police Service said employees and customers could be served with trespass notices.
The band council will be meeting with vendors on Friday and the bylaw is expected to be ratified that afternoon.
