Walpole Island officials say there are now 22 active COVID-19 cases on the First Nation reserve.
Officials released the updated totals on social media on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
“The Chief and Council are determined to adjust our operations accordingly and we are committed to keep our people as aware and as safe as possible,” Chief Charles Sampson stated in a media release.
“The Health Centre staff has been working persistently getting our members vaccinated, while
continuing to educate about the seriousness of COVID-19.”
Chief Sampson added: “It is extremely important they we all do our utmost to follow the guidelines as it involves social gatherings… as the majority of cases in our community are from these types of get-togethers where the rules are not being practiced.”
Walpole Island officials say the community moved to the ‘Black-Lockdown’ status of the First Nation’s COVID Action Plan on Monday, in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 following an Emergency Operations Control Group meeting held Sunday.
Walpole island officials say elementary students have reverted to remote learning, Bkejwanong Children’s Centre has suspended service and monitored gatherings are no longer be permitted.
Walpole Island departments have resources in place to prevent close contact among employees and the activation of Lockdown should have no direct impact on staff procedures, officials say.
Local businesses will also be able to continue to serve their clients following the same precautions they have had in place for Red, Walpole Island officials added.
Since the pandemic began last March, 95 Walpole Island residents have tested positive for the virus.
A total of 71 cases are resolved, while 814 COVID-19 tests have been completed.
There are 17 pending results currently and 702 tests have come back negative.
Two people from Walpole Island have died from COVID-19.
