Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Moose Factory
September 12, 2020Second Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Moose Factory
September 18, 2020
There is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Moose Factory Island. Important changes have been made to the Emergency Preventative Measures. Please read carefully.
WHEREAS the spread of COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020.
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario declared an emergency under subsection 7.0.1(3) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act because the COVID-19 pandemic “constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons.”
WHEREAS the Moose Factory Pandemic Emergency Operations Team was formed and includes representatives from Moose Cree First Nation, MoCreebec, and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority.
WHEREAS the Chief & Council and the Moose Factory Pandemic Emergency Operations team has been informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Moose Factory Island.
WHEREAS Chief & Council, the Moose Factory Pandemic Operations Team, and the Local Services Board support the continued restriction of non-essential activities within the entire community of Moose Factory Island to prevent additional confirmed cases COVID-19.
WHEREAS the Moose Cree First Nation has an inherent right to self-government and existing Aboriginal and treaty rights throughout the whole of the Moose Cree Homeland, rooted in the pre-colonial occupation of our Homeland by our ancestors and in our pre-existing systems of law and governance.
WHEREAS Chief & Council have the authority and jurisdiction pursuant to the inherent and treaty rights of Moose Cree First Nation and sections 81(1)(a), (c), (d), (p), (q), and (r) of the Indian Act to enact emergency measures to prevent the spreading of contagious and infectious diseases.
NOW THEREFORE, Chief & Council hereby enact the following bylaw for the protection of public health and safety on Moose Factory Island:
Emergency Preventative Measures
- The wearing of masks that covers the mouth and nose is now mandatory in Moose Factory Island in all public spaces.
- Any person with symptoms of COVID-19, including but not limited to, fever and cough, must self-isolate inside his or her residence and strictly avoid contact with others for fourteen (14) days or, if symptoms have not resolved after fourteen (14) days, until twenty-four (24) hours after symptoms have fully and completely resolved.
- No resident of Moose Factory Island shall leave his or her residence except where reasonably necessary for work, exercise, grocery shopping, or obtaining medical services or other essential supplies.
- Upon arrival in Moose Factory Island, residents and non-residents of Moose Factory Island shall report to screening checkpoints in Moose Factory Island and contact Moose Factory Public Health at 705.658.4220.
- Non-residents of Moose Factory Island that travel to Moose Factory Island shall quarantine for fourteen (14) days upon arrival in Moose Factory, with the exception of residents of Moosonee, Ontario.
- Residents of Moose Factory Island that travel away from the community, beyond Moosonee, Ontario, must quarantine for fourteen (14) days upon returning to Moose Factory Island.
- Those residents of Moose Factory Island engaged in traditional harvesting accessed by boat or helicopter are exempted from quarantining upon return to Moose Factory Island.
- Non-residents of Moose Factory Island that must travel to Moose Factory Island to perform an essential service will be permitted to do so only with the permission of the Moose Factory Pandemic Emergency Operations Team.
Restorative Justice
- In order to promote accountability to each other as band members of Moose Cree First Nation and to each other as members of the entire community of Moose Factory Island, those who violate this bylaw will be contacted by a member of a Pandemic Restorative Justice Team. A discussion will take place on the importance of this bylaw and how following it will keep all our community members healthy and safe, particularly those most at risk should they come into contact with COVID-19, including those pre-existing conditions and Elders.
- The Pandemic Restorative Justice Team will include representatives of the Moose Factory Pandemic Emergency Operations Team and other health professionals, members of Chief & Council, and will also include community Elder and Youth representatives.
- Community members that observe violations of the bylaw can make referrals to the Pandemic Restorative Justice Team by contacting the following:
a. Sara Wesley, Executive Administrative Assistant at or at 705-288-1217, or;
b. Caroline Sutherland, Executive Receptionist at or 705-365-8328
Temporary Effectiveness
- As per Council Motion #2020-06-209 passed on September 12, 2020, this bylaw will remain in force for an additional eighteen (18) days to September 30, 2020 unless that time period is extended or abridged by resolution of Council.