50-MILE TRAVEL RESTRICTION CONTINUES IN NORTHERN PORTION OF AKWESASNE

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is informing community members that the 50-mile travel restriction will continue to be in effect in the northern portion of Akwesasne. With regions in reopening stages, we will need to continue to err on the side of caution to ensure our community remains safe. Montreal continues to see an increase in positive cases of COVID 19. Quebec has taken a reopening approach similar to US cities, which have resulted in a spike in new cases.

Knowing that most cases in our community have been related to travel outside of Akwesasne, we are proceeding with caution and will continue to reassess weekly. We are trying to learn from others and ensure that the health and safety of all Akwesasronon is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and reassess our measures when possible.

We strongly urge Akwesasronon to take precautions to avoid the spread of the virus within our community. While we receive direction and guidance from health authorities such as the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, Akwesasne has maintained restrictions above and beyond those recommendations for the health and safety of our community, especially our most vulnerable.

On April 13, 2020, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne passed MCR 2020/21 – #003 to enact the Akwesasne Emergency Curfew Law. The Akwesasne Emergency Curfew Law was enacted as a health and safety measure in our fight against the spread of COVID-19 and serves to provide clear directives to our community members on the following emergency measures which are in place:

1. All residents of Akwesasne shall remain at their place of residence between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Only essential service workers will be exempted from this restriction.
2. Activities at all other times are limited to essential activities.
3. When engaged in essential activities in public, best efforts must be made to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from any other individual.
4. Social gatherings are to be avoided.
5. Residents who are returning to Akwesasne from any location outside the 50-mile radius, who are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, must self-isolate for at least 14 days.
6. Residents who are returning to Akwesasne from any location outside the 50-mile radius, who have no COVID-19 symptoms, must self-quarantine for at least 14 days and monitor for symptoms.
7. For monitoring and tracking purposes, residents returning to Akwesasne from outside the 50-mile radius must inform the MCA Department of Health of their circumstances, as to whether they are isolating or quarantining.

Nia:wen for your cooperation in keeping Akwesasne safe.