Ahousaht BC - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Ahousaht Hawiih (Hereditary Chiefs) and Ahousaht Council continue to implement restrictions within Ahousaht community and territory based on recommendations submitted by the Ahousaht Emergency Response Team (ERT) in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Public Health State of Emergency and British Columbia State of Emergency.

1. Access to Ahousaht community and territories remain closed to all non-residents of the Ahousaht community (Massqtusiis). This includes Walk the Wildside Trail as wel as the trail and pools at Hotsprings Cove and the warms springs on Flores Island.
2. To enter Ahousaht territories and community, people who do not live here as of March 13th, 2020 must have permission from the Director of EOC. Once permission is granted, a letter of Exception will be given for those individuals. Should anyone attempt to enter Ahousaht community without authorization of the Traditional keepers of the law shall be called upon to remove those people.
3. The Ahousaht Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is operational and is tasked with implementing the Ahousaht Emergency Plan.
4. We encourage Ahousaht community members to reduce travel in and out of Ahousaht only for essential services, supplies and groceries.
   1. All boats to report in to EOC number of passengers
   2. Each boat to be sanitized after each trip
5. Essential food and cleaning supplies are being secured for Ahoushat community members.
6. Please follow these:
   1. No gatherings of more than 15 people.
   2. Self isolate for the 14 days upon returning to village
   3. Self isolate if not feeling well, any symptoms of flu or COVID-19
   4. SOCIAL DISTANCING = PHYSICAL DISTANCE of at least 6 feet or 2 metres
      1. Both in public
      2. On boats and in vehicles
   5. Constantly wash hands with soap and water (min. 20 seconds) and/or use hand sanitizer.

The safety and well-being of our community members is our first priority. Ahousaht will ensure all safety precautions are taken to further safeguard members from the current pandemic to the best of our ability. “We need everyone to be safe. Otherwise no one will be safe” (Governor Cuomo)

These measures will remain in effect indefinitely, updates to our members and general public will be relayed as they arise