Aaniin Curve Lake,

On April 3, 2021 Ontario implemented a third province-wide shutdown to last for a period of 28 days. Rationale for this decision is based on: alarming increases in the number of daily cases; to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed; to protect in-person learning and keep children in schools; to allow for more time to vaccinate Ontarians; to be responsive to the rise in variants; and to stop the spread of COVID 19 in communities.

In our Community, we have remained on high alert, keeping safety protocols at a ‘red’ level in order to protect our population that is at a statistically higher risk. This means that there are few changes necessary here at home, given that we have remained vigilant in our safety measures.

In an effort to support the provincial shutdown and to keep our Community safe, we need the continued trust and cooperation of everyone. Together, we’ve done great so far. Our health and safety remains in the hands of one another. Let’s continue to follow all measures in place. (COVID-19 public health measures and advice | COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario)

Below is a summary of how this will impact our Community:

1. COVID 19 Vaccination clinics scheduled for the 7^th, 10^th and 14^th will proceed as planned;

1. Notable CLFN Administrative impacts are as follows:

• ‘Walk-up window’ meetings with Finance and Membership will now be virtual

1. Notable Impacts to CLFN School and OELC:

• Our CLFN School and our OELC will remain open, operating under the highest COVID safety measures and continuing with small classroom cohorts;

1. Department of Economic Development has notified Businesses of their obligations as per the provincial shutdown;

1. Department of Lands will monitor seasonal properties and continue to communicate with Locatees and Leasees;

As a population with statistically higher risks of complications, First Nations such as ours have been a priority for vaccination. Our vaccination schedule in Curve Lake is further along than the general population in Ontario, with 1,200 community members having received their first vaccine dose and our second dose clinics running this week (with another 100 first doses scheduled at these clinics). The vaccinations in our community means the risks of severe illness are less. We are also closely following the ongoing research and resultant guidance regarding the efficacy of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against new variants.

As always, we will constantly monitor the situation and stay in touch with Dr. Salvaterra and the Peterborough Public Health Unit. Since the pandemic began, we’ve operated on a system where we begin to relax measures two weeks after the province, but with the vaccination numbers in our community, we will continue to evaluate if this is necessary.

Finally, let’s all continue to do our part to keep our families and community safe. Practice physical distancing, wash our hands, no gatherings or parties, stay home, and travel for essential purposes only.

Please contact Chief or any Councillor for any and all comments or suggestions.

Miigwetch,

Curve Lake First Nation Chief & Council