The Cowichan Tribes has extended its shelter-in-place order another two weeks to Feb. 5.
“We’re working to contain [the virus] and do whatever we can for our community,” said Chief William Seymour in a video posted on the Cowichan Tribes website.
The order requires all members to stay at home, restricts access to residential areas and buildings on the reserve, and requires members to travel through barriers and checkpoints where information is provided.
Residents are allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons, including work, school, medical appointments, obtaining groceries, medicines and other essential items, or to care for a family member who is ill.
Others are allowed on the reserve for urgent repairs, to deliver goods or to provide emergency services.
“We look at this as protecting the community,” Coun. Cindy Daniels said in the video.
A similar order put in place on Jan. 3 by the Snuneymuxw in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith region has been lifted. A letter posted on the First Nation’s website says there will be a phased reopening of facilities. Thirty-six people in the community tested positive for COVID-19, says the letter, signed by Chief Mike Wyse.
