Six Nations families 'strongly discouraged' from crossing border on Black Friday

Six Nations has "strongly discouraged" its members from crossingthe U.S. border to visit family or shop on Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

A statement to the community points to rising COVID-19 cases in Ontario and the United States.

"We recognize that manySixNationscommunity members have extended families across the border," the statement says.

But "at this point, we as a communityare all responsible for the COVID case outcome of this holiday. If cases rise over the next two weeks,it will be obvious why," Lori Davis Hill, director of health services, said in a media release.

"I plead with the community to please only gather with those in your household, and try other virtual means to stay in touch with family."

The statement suggests using online ordering, curbside pick ups and local shopping to capitalize on holiday sales.

And it reiterates the importance of basic public health measures like hand washing, wearing face coverings, reporting symptoms and physical distancing.

"The Six Nations community is urged to continue to follow the core health principles to keep not only yourself safe and healthy, but our elders, knowledge keepers, aunties, uncles, grandparents, those most vulnerable and your entire community," reads the statement.

The community's last COVID-19 update on Monday stated there were97 total cases since March with 94 cases resolved. Two people were actively infected. One person has died.