Potential COVID-19 outbreak within the Walpole Island Police Department

Walpole Island First Nation officials say they have become aware of the potential of a COVID-19 outbreak within the Walpole Island Police Department.

“As a precaution, the community will be serviced by the Ontario Provincial Police for a two-week period,” said James Jenkins, director of operations for Walpole Island, in a letter posted on social media on Monday, December 28, 2020.

“Our officers will self-isolate and the police station will undergo a deep cleaning to ensure the safety of our police force and our community.”

Jenkins said some of the Walpole Island police officers live off-reserve.

“So positive cases may not be reflected in our local COVID-19 statistics,” Jenkins said.

“There are currently no active cases within Walpole Island. We know how important social gatherings are at this time of year, and we ask that you please consider telephone, the internet, and other safe ways to stay connected to friends and family while we make it through this lockdown period.”

Jenkins added: “We know that it is necessary to leave the island for food and other needs, but please limit your interactions as much as possible. Let’s all stay safe and keep COVID-19 out of our community.”

Since the pandemic began in March, there have been 23 positive COVID-19 cases on Walpole Island and one death.

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