Indigenous communities impose curfews, set up checkpoints to keep out COVID-19 – CBC

Leaders concerned outsiders will bring virus into communities

Apr 07, 2020

Some Indigenous leaders in B.C. are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to minimizing the spread of COVID-19 within their communities.

The Witset First Nation has set up checkpoints outside of the community to monitor who goes in and out. Only members are allowed to enter the community, and they can only leave to go to work or pick up essential supplies.

“We have some [members] that didn’t like it at first, but now they understand,” said Lucy Gagnon, executive director of the Witset First Nation.

“I think more and more people are aware that we have to work together. Right now, it’s just adding on a few minutes to your day to go to a checkpoint.”

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/indigenous-curfews-checkpoints-1.5525078