Hundreds of cars were lined up and down Rama Road this afternoon when people learned that smoke shops on Rama First Nation would be closing today - for at least a week.
Rama First Nation Chief Rodney Noganosh and his council sent a notice to local smoke shops asking them to close their doors by 6 p.m. today in order to protect the community.
"Chief and council along with staff and Rama Health continue to work with both Canada and Ontario's health agencies to flatten the curve of those getting sick from the virus," said the letter.
"We must continue to dramatically reduce visitors to Rama First Nation and to keep practising social distancing. It is vital to our community's health. We also continue to respond to community members' concerns about limiting vistors to Rama," said the letter.
"As such we are temporarily ordering all cigarette and smoke shops in Rama to close by 6 p.m. This temporary closure is in effect until April 15."
By that date, chief and council will determine whether this closure will be extended, the letter notes.
"COVID-19 has created significant concerns for the community, particularly the ongoing volume of traffic from visitors. We must provide a safer environment for communiy members," noted the letter.
"Rather than suspend or revoke your business licence under the business licensing bylaw or issue a community-wide trespass ban under the Indian Act, we trust that you will cooperate and respect this temporary closure order," the letter concludes.
It's not just smoke shops closing. All non-essential businesses are temporarily closing in the community.
Rama Country Market will be completely closed on Friday, April 10 for a deep cleaning and re-open on Saturday, April 11 at 8 a.m. Tobacco products will not be available at this location until further notice to reduce traffic in this small location.
"These are unprecedented times and government responses have continued to change in response to the pandemic," notes a media release.
"Chief and Council would like to acknowledge our storefront businesses for their support in taking this step to help stem the transmission of COVID-19. We ask their patrons to do their part by staying home, purchasing locally and self-isolating until we flatten the curve in Ontario," notes the reserve.
"We appreciate your continued patience as we take these next steps for the health of our community," concludes the release.
