The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne(MCA) released a statement advising Akwesasne community members that on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the Province of Ontario declared a second State of Emergency and issued a “stay-at-home” order effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 am for at least 28 days.
This order means that all persons in Ontario must remain in their home except for essential purposes. Going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, exercising, and carrying out employment responsibilities is allowed. Ontario has now also limited outdoor gatherings to a maximum of five people.
The MCA says it has re-instituted the Akwesasne Emergency Curfew Law’s curfew provisions on November 24, 2020, requiring all community residents to remain at home between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and to only travel for essential purposes during these times. This curfew remains in effect.
Due to the recent issuance of the Ontario stay-at-home order, the MCA is advising Akwesasne residents that they should only travel into the City of Cornwall and surrounding areas for essential purposes. “Going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, exercise and carrying out employment responsibilities are essential activities. Individuals who choose not to abide by the stay-at-home order when travelling outside of Akwesasne could face fines prescribed by the Ontario stay-at-home order.”
The high number of positive COVID-19 cases in and around Akwesasne is concerning and continues to rise on a daily basis. The Cornwall Community Hospital has advised the public that they are reaching critical capacity limits due to the number of COVID-19 cases in the region. The MCA also added in their release that they are advising Akwesasne community residents to only travel for essential purposes. “The curfew in Akwesasne will remain in effect for the foreseeable future”.
“Community members should limit close contacts to those living in your household only. Social bubbles should not include anyone outside your home at this time.”
Over the next several weeks, the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be made available to the community. MCA said, “while the vaccines give us great hope, it will take some time for enough of the local population to be vaccinated before population immunity takes effect”. Meantime, they’re encouraging that all safety precautions be followed even after being vaccinated.
The MCA said, “please continue to do your part to keep yourself and our community safe”.
