THE SPIRIT OF ALL NATIONS WEDNESDAY August 5th, 2020 | www.tworowtimes.com | 519-900-5535 | Grand River Territory | FREE
Six Nations to remain in Phase Two Pandemic recovery plan NAHNDA GARLOW
nahnda@tworowtimes.com
TWO ROW TIMES
ble sh, – 24 k.
s.
l oss and a
ady re.
Wherever you are, we’re here. Talk. Text. Chat. Now all across Ontario.
No matter where you are, Talk4Healing is now available all across Ontario, in English, Cree, Ojibwe and Oji-Cree – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call us at 1-844-855-HEAL
or visit us at Talk4Healing.com
519-445-0088
OHSWEKEN — Six Nations Emergency Control Group says they are supporting the elected council’s decision to remain in Phase Two of the community’s recovery plan. Despite growing transitions across the province to move towards easing pandemic restrictions — Six Nations leadership is opting to carry on with publicly mandated face masks, closed public buildings and allowing staff to continue working from home. “We have been witnessing just how devastating COVID-19 can be on First Nations and racial-
ized communities south of the border,” says Elected Chief Mark Hill. “And in most Canadian provinces, we have witnessed that continuing along the path of recovery essentially guarantees at least a small increase in COVID-19 cases. Unlike municipalities our health services and supports are fewer and we have underlying factors that already increase our risk of spread – which means this is a risk we cannot take at this time.” The ECG says overcrowding on First Nations as well as limited access to clean water and food insecurity increase the risk factors for Six Nations members to possibly contract the virus. Additionally, higher rates of pre-existing illnesses that make
people more susceptible to the threat of additional illnesses and infections. “ECG continues to monitor our pandemic response and is confident that we are in a good position within our Recovery Plan. However, we must remain committed to the plan and reduce any risks to increased exposures and spread of the virus. We must consistently consider all factors in our healthy pandemic response,” says Director of Health Services Lori Davis Hill. Davis Hill says Six Nations members should continue to exercise caution and to avoid situations that will increase their risk to exposure, which in turn may result in public health staff and
other frontline workers overwhelmed and supports exhausted. Ongoing public health and safety measures currently in place under Six Nation’s second phase include: a limit of 10 people for outside gatherings; mandatory masks in public spaces and staying at home if feeling ill or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. In a statement SNGR says “Public health officials are also reminding community members of their responsibility when it comes to contact-tracing, a tool that continues to prove extremely effective in finding and containing the COVID-19 virus, but only when an infected person can list the people they have been
in contact with over the past 14 days.” Mandatory 14-day self-isolation is required for any Six Nations resident that has travelled outside of the Country, and must report his or her return from travel to Ohsweken Public Health at 519-445-2672. “If you cannot list all of the people you have come into contact with over the past two weeks, you are overdoing it and should consider limiting your interactions and visits with others,” says Davis Hill. If you or somebody you know is experiencing any symptoms, please contact the COVID-19 Information and Assessment centre at 226-446-9909 OR 1-855977-7737 to arrange for a free test.
County officials responded to reports of smoke coming from an apartment in the community of Hagersville on Wednesday. Investigators say they found the man’s body inside after responders doused the flames. The Ontario Fire Marshal's office is assisting in the investigation. Police say there is no concern for public safety at this time, and there were no other occupants in the apartment.
BRANTFORD — All students in Grand Erie’s elementary and secondary schools will be headed back to class full time on September 8. This following Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Stephen Lecce’s announcement that all publicly funded schools in the province will reopen this fall. “Grand Erie’s enhanced cleaning protocols will include an emphasis
on touch points, common areas and common objects,” said GEDSB in a statement. “Health and safety protocols will focus on making time for regular handwashing. Where handwashing is not available, hand sanitizer will be used.” The school board says directional signage will be placed to assist with physical distancing requirements, and individual schools are working out their own details on how
to stagger nutrition, lunch and recess breaks. Non-medical cloth masks are now mandated for all Ontario public school students in Grades 4-12.The Province will be providing medical masks for teachers and school staff. Parents who wish to opt out and keep their children home in September must contact the school board by August 23.
Mississaugas of the Credit man dies in fire STAFF REPORT
editor@tworowtimes.com
TWO ROW TIMES
HAGERSVILLE — Police in Hagersville have launched a homicide investigation after finding a body inside Wherever you are, an apartment damaged by fire thiswe’re week. here. Talk. Text. Chat. OPPNow identified the all across Ontario. deceased as 30 year old Tyler King, a member of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Police say Haldimand
Grand Erie students to return to school in September full time
PM42686517