A two-week curfew is now in place on the Oneida Nation of the Thames to combat rising COVID-19 numbers.
The band council for the Indigenous community southwest of London imposed the nightly curfew as of 8 p.m. Sunday.
Chief Adrian Chrisjohn and the council deemed the measure necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19 after 22 cases were identified within the community.
Contact tracing by the Indigenous Services Canada-FNIB COVID-19 team, in partnership with the Middlesex-London Health Unit and the Oneida Health Team, determined the source of the outbreak to be holiday gatherings among community members.
"The blatant disregard of the recommendations of health experts during the COVID-19 pandemic need to stop," Chrisjohn said in a statement. "We must also take into consideration the health and well-being of our elders and those who have pre-existing health conditions in the community.”
In addition to the curfew, social gatherings are prohibited. Anyone caught hosting such an event will be fined up to $750. Non-essential businesses, such as smoke shops, are asked to consider closing "to help protect" the community.
The curfew will be re-evaluated in two weeks and could be lifted at that time if health officials determine COVID-19 activity is decreasing.
"We are all in this together. Each and every individual community member must do their part to take the proper precautions for the health and safety of our community," said Chrisjohn. "Stay home, stay safe, use hand sanitizer and wear your mask if you must go out for essentials."
The Oneida Long Term Care Home declared as outbreak last Tuesday. All of the positive cases were identified within staff members.
Anyone in the community who develops COVID-19 symptoms is advised to immediately seek testing at one of the area's three assessment centres, which now have extended hours of operation.
Oneida Nation of the Thames Assessment Centre - 519-652-0500 Chippewa of the Thames First Nation Assessment Centre - 519-289-5641 SOAHAC Chippewa site - 519-289-0352
