The White Bear First Nation has temporarily lifted the restrictions that were in place in the community, after a resident tested positive for COVID-19 in November.
In a letter to members that was posted on the White Bear Facebook page, Chief Nathan Pasap said the leadership has met and decided that they would be reopening the administration office, health station, political office and daycare on Dec. 14, and they would remain open until Dec. 18, with the exception of Dec. 16 on account of the funeral for the late Bertha Quinn.
The offices will then be closed for the Christmas season until Jan. 4.
鈥淭he monitoring stations will be taken down during the same timeframe, but will be put back in place on the morning of December 19th and will remain in place until January 4, 2021.鈥�
The road barriers at numerous entrances to the reserve will all be in place until Jan. 4.
Pasap said out of respect for the Quinn family, all offices would be closed Dec. 16.
鈥淎ll social distancing and health and safety measures will be respected as we send our elder on her journey,鈥� Pasap said.
Messages on social media noted that she died on Dec 11 due to COVID-19 at the age of 78. Many tributes poured in for her from family and friends, hailing her as a wonderful woman, strong in her faith, with a beautiful voice.
Pasap said this is a very critical time during the second wave of COVID-19 and they must remain vigilant in their actions to keep each other safe. The leadership team wants to stress the importance of restricting inter-household gatherings.
鈥淲e do understand that many of us have family members that are away for school and work, and anticipate that they will be coming home for the holiday season. Their return to the community will need to be compliant with all health and safety measures,鈥� said Pasap.
If people are experiencing any symptoms, the White Bear First Nations asks that they do not come home, as this could jeopardize the health of the immediate family and community members. The leadership team is asking that there be no house parties, as the RCMP will be notified if there is a violation of this directive.
鈥淲e are in this battle together and we will get through it as long as we all remain committed to the safety measures we are taking,鈥� said Pasap.
A curfew will be implemented on Dec. 19 from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. It will remain in place until Jan. 4.聽
