Effective immediately, Walpole Island First Nation will be restricting non-residential travel over the Walpole Island First Nation Bridge.
As a result, only essential traffic will be permitted. Anyone crossing over for essential services is instructed to go directly to the service they are accessing and leave immediately after with no additional stops. Individuals without a valid reason for crossing onto the island will be turned away.
In addition, traffic over the bridge from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. will be restricted to Walpole Island residents and emergency services only. Cottage goers are also encouraged to avoid visiting the island for the time being.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to our neighbouring communities who have begun to see cases or are seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19," said Chief Dan Miskokomon. "We are taking the action of limiting access to non-residents in order to further protect our members from the spread. Given the high prevalence of underlying health conditions, our community is especially vulnerable to this virus."
To enforce the new restrictions, a 24-hour check-point will be established starting Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.