MCA RESPONSE TO ONTARIO PROVINCEWIDE SHUTDOWN
The Province of Ontario announced a Provincewide shut down effective Sunday, December 26, 2020, at 12:01 am. This shutdown will continue in Eastern Ontario for 28 days.
The 28 days shut down means that all non-essential stores in Eastern Ontario will be closed. Grocery stores, pharmacies and stores that sell food will remain open. Shopping malls and retail stores that do not sell food will be closed, but may offer curbside pickup. Stores that remain open will have reduced inside capacity. This may result in having to wait outside the store until people come out. Please plan your essential trips accordingly.
The Province of Ontario has taken this step to slow the spread of COVID-19. Recent provincial data predicts infection rates will continue to rise if there is no change in behaviours; this will create a significant strain on the health systems. Members of Akwesasne need to continue to follow all the recommended health precautions and do our part to keep ourselves and our community safe.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has been advised that the Canada/US border will not be affected by this shutdown.
In the coming weeks, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne will continue to prepare for the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination. The MCA is working with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to ensure the vaccine will be available for those who wish to receive the shot. The vaccine will be available to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, but we must not adapt to a false sense of security. Social Distancing, avoiding large gatherings and wearing a face covering is the most effective way to keep you and our community safe. As more information becomes available on the COVID-19 vaccine, the MCA will provide the community with updates.
The MCA will be implementing the following measures to ensure the health and safety of the community and staff members:
- MCA offices will be closed from December 24, 2020 through January 1, 2021.
- Between January 1 through January 25, only essential services will be operational.
- Note: As indicated in the Executive Director’s memo, employees are asked to check with their supervisor/manager as to their respective program’s operational status. Community members can visit the akwesasne.ca website for the full list of essential/non-essential services.
- MCA will reopen buildings to the public on January 25, 2021.
These measures are being put in place for the protection of Akwesasronon. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through this pandemic. We also extend our gratitude to community members who continue to practice prevention measures, like social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand washing.
Please stay safe, stay home, and stay healthy. We are all in this together. Niawenhkó:wa.
To read a full description of the Ontario Province-wide Shutdown, please see following link: https://files.ontario.ca/moh-provincewide-shutdown-en-2020-12-21.pdf
122220-MCA-NOTICE-MCA-Response-to-Ontario-Provincewide-Shutdown