The Seabird Island community seems to have embraced their entrance checkpoints, according to Chief Jim Harris.
During a video address released on Tuesday (Nov. 23), Chief Harris thanked the community for its cooperation concerning the checkpoints. These new gateways were Seabird Island Council’s immediate response to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s stricter orders to the Fraser Health region in an effort to curb soaring COVID numbers.
“[Despite] lack of time and manpower, the Public Works Department had checkpoints up and running in good time,” Chief Harris said.
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Though there was initial confusion, Chief Harris said the community quickly adapted to the checkpoints. Community members displayed acts of kindness for the workers, who were hired roughly three weeks ago. They brought the workers snacks and warm drinks.
“Thank you for showing your concerns for [the checkpoint workers] by running a power cord out to them and setting up more lights for them when a cougar walked by one of the checkpoints.”
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Cougar sightings tend to be more common in the Seabird Island area lately, but this particular big cat came within a frightening 10 feet of the checkpoint.
Chief Harris again reminded the community to only travel for essentials like groceries, to postpone gatherings and to abide by the new mask mandate.
“If one person is positive, it can spread fast to other people at a gathering,” Chief Harris cautioned.