FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – Fort William First Nation will introduce a checkpoint to screen those entering the community by Wednesday of this week, hoping to guard against a surge in COVID-19 cases in neighbouring Thunder Bay.
It’s part of the First Nation’s move to Stage 3 in its pandemic plan, announced Friday, which Chief Peter Collins said would involve only “light security” at a single entrance to the community.
However, he said leadership stood ready to impose a stricter lockdown if deemed necessary.
The checkpoint will ensure only community members and those with legitimate business on reserve – such as those who work there, or whose children play hockey at its arena – can access its residential areas, Collins said Sunday.
He expected the staffed barrier to be in place by Wednesday.
Collins called the checkpoint a proactive move, one he hopes will help the First Nation keep some facilities open and avoid more severe measures.
“We’re trying to be proactive right now, to make sure we’re ready if [there’s a real] outbreak here and we have to shut the whole community down,” he said. “We’re ready for that, but we’re trying not to get there.”
“We have the arena running, we have the bingo running, and the office is still in operation. I think the unnecessary travel is what we’re talking about. We see Manitoba cars roaming around the community once in a while, [and] we don’t recognize [some of] the Ontario cars.”
Collins called on community members to avoid unnecessary trips, and avoid close contact with anyone outside of their immediate family.
He also asked those visiting the First Nation to be diligent in wearing a mask.
“What we’re telling people [is] it’s mandatory to wear masks,” he said. “If you get out of your car, put your mask on – whether you’re coming here for gas, smokes, or to play hockey.”
The First Nation previously implemented restrictions including security checkpoints in the spring.
Despite rapidly rising numbers in adjacent Thunder Bay – the local health unit has announced 109 cases, most in the city or surrounding areas, in just over two weeks – there have not yet been any cases involving Fort William First Nation residents, Collins said.
In a video update to the community Friday, Collins revealed a non-resident who works at an office located on reserve did test positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 13.
All employees at the company in question had been directed to work from home until Nov. 30, he said, though none had had close contact with the employee during their contagious period.
Testing is available on reserve through Dilico, Collins noted, encouraging anyone with symptoms to get tested. Tests can be booked by calling (807) 626-5200.
