Access to Walpole Island will no longer be restricted for non-residents starting next month.
The Walpole Island First Nation Council agreed on Tuesday an entry checkpoint at the bridge onto the island, which has been in place since early April, will not be extended past August 31. However, a state of emergency will remain in place.
The bridge to the island was closed to non-community members on April 1 in an effort to protect the Walpole Island residents from the possible spread of COVID-19.
“We’ve seen decreases in the number of cases of COVID-19 here and in the surrounding communities," said Chief Daniel Miskokomon in a news release. "We will continue to monitor these numbers and ask that everyone continue to follow physical distancing guidelines and face-covering recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The chief and the island council have also approved a recommendation for face coverings for all indoor spaces on Walpole Island.
The chief and council will continue to monitor the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and will be listening to community feedback and advice from the local health team.
