MOBERT, Ont. — The Chief and council of the Netimizaagamig Nishnaabeg (formerly Pic Mobert First Nation) are implementing a complete lock-down of the community effective Tuesday night.
It's one of a series of measures aimed at reducing the threat the COVID-19 virus poses to the First Nation, located 55 kilometres east of Marathon.
A 24-hour road blocked manned by security officers is now in place at the entrance.
As of 8:00 p.m. on March 24, residents will not be permitted to leave the community at any time, except for urgent medical reasons.
Those who choose to leave regardless will not be allowed to return until the order is lifted, which is likely not to occur for several weeks.
The band council has also implemented a nightly curfew that's in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
All residents are required to stay in their homes except to access urgent medical aid.
"This is to keep our community and members safe. We ask you all to think of our kids, elders and vulnerable people who have compromised immune systems and other serious health issues. We must work together to fight for our future and for the lives of the people we love," the leadership said in a statement.
During the lock-down, Chief and council said, they will ensure that residents are provided with food and other essential services.
Essential deliveries such as food, medical supplies, fuel and septic pumping can be exempted under the condition that drivers have no contact with residents, and that vehicles receive an escort into and out of the community.
The community was already closed to non-residents by a band council resolution on March 20.
However, access by non-resident patients of the local Ontario Addiction Treatment Centre is allowed subject to mandatory escorts and screening procedures.
Residents of the First Nation are also being encouraged to practise social distancing.
Chief Johanna Desmoulin said the leadership knows that the safety measures "are difficult and distressing, but they are absolutely necessary to protect our citizens and prevent the spread of this dangerous virus."
