Travel on the James Bay coast has been restricted to urgent or emergent appointments, according to the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA).
The new measure went into effect Monday after five cases of COVID-19 were reported in Attawapiskat last week. All of the people are self-isolating.
Attawapiskat First Nation chief and council have passed a Band Council Resolution implementing a community-wide curfew from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Community members are asked to stay home as much as possible, wear masks in all public places, wash hands and maintain a two-metre distance. All community events are currently banned and only one person from each household is allowed to shop at community stores.
According to the resolution, cargo flights will continue to operate and essential service workers are allowed to use charter flights as long as they have approval from the Pandemic Travel Team and follow safety protocols.
All medical patients and escorts who use medical patient charters are required to self-isolate for 14 days after entering the community.
The resolution is in effect until Dec. 19.
Attawapiskat Health Centre continues to provide COVID-19 testing at the youth centre in the community.
Community members can access testing Wednesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 10. The testing hours are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is needed.
A few other First Nation communities on the coast, such as Kashechewan First Nation and Fort Albany First Nation, are also in a two-week lockdown.
