The original Communique in PDF format is available here.
COMMUNIQUE
Aaniin Citizens,
As COVID-19 cases rise in Ontario, many are wondering how to hold family gatherings safely this fall. Officials and medical experts have been emphasizing that the large, extended family gatherings are not a good idea this year.
The current restrictions for unmonitored gatherings is 10 people inside, and 25 people outside, with social distancing measures in place. These two gathering numbers cannot be combined.
There are different kinds of celebrations that can still happen in a safe and unique way:
- ● Consider connecting through virtual means with your family this year;
- ● Have a “Zoom” dinner with family games; or,
- ● Send care packages to those who are not in your immediate household.
At this point in the pandemic, the best thing to do is keep it as small as possible and really restrict your social gatherings to as few people as possible.
If you are having a family gathering for Thanksgiving weekend, please keep it small, and remember to use the following health and safety measures that are scientifically proven to work in limiting the risk of contracting/spreading this virus:
- ● Wear a face covering/mask
- ● Social distance – stay 2 metres apart
- ● Wash your hands with soap for a least 20 seconds
- ● Use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
Opening windows to get a cross breeze can also help improve air circulation but does not replace the above noted measures.
Our Community has come such a long way in this pandemic. Let’s continue to protect one another and be safe!
We wish you a wonderful long holiday weekend!
Hiawatha First Nation Council and COVID-19 Task Team
“Our Citizens and Community remain our first priority and we will work to mitigate risks for best possible outcomes moving forward through the COVID-19 pandemic.”