Walpole First Nation cracking down in the wake of a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The First Nations territory is in lockdown, and Chief Charles Sampson says Walpole Island Police have laid charges against non-members for violating the stay at home law.
“Although lockdown restrictions are not structed as Walpole Island bylaws, they are still enforceable laws based on public health restrictions,” Sampson says. “Other First Nations are respecting and abiding by these public safety laws, Walpole will do the same and the appropriate laws will be enforced. We do this to protect our people.”
The offenders have each been fined $750.
The community now has three active cases, with a total of 29 infections reported since the pandemic began in March.
Band members are allowed to continue activities like hunting, fishing and gathering firewood but only with members of their own household.
