More restrictions have been placed on travel into northern Saskatchewan.
Non-critical travel into the area was ordered restricted on April 24 due to a coronavirus outbreak.
That measure has been expanded and tightened.
All non-critical travel, including by those with primary residences in the region, into and out of the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District is restricted. It now includes all non-essential travel between northern Saskatchewan communities.
Northern residents have now been ordered to remain in their local communities, with exceptions only for travelling for critical reasons such as collecting groceries and going to medical appointments.
The government said the tighter restrictions came about after consultation with northern leaders.
“Our government recognizes the unique challenges that northern communities are facing in fighting the spread of COVID-19,” Premier Scott Moe said.
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“We are providing direct supports to northern communities and businesses to ensure the necessary resources are available, while imposing further restrictions to ensure the necessary steps are being taken to reduce the spread and flatten the curve in the north.”
Moe said he wants people in the north, particularly in the northwest, to stay at home.
“This is one area of Saskatchewan where if you can stay at home, not just in your community, but at home, we’re asking you to do so.
“It works in controlling this virus when we limit movement of people, both outside of their home and within their community and across the province. We have shown that.”
Exemptions to the restrictions have been made for La Ronge and Stony Rapids.
Travel to and from La Ronge and Stony Rapids from outside the NSAD is allowed, but stopping in any other community is not allowed.
Moe said the virus is manageable if public health orders are followed.
“This virus does spread if you let your guard down for any moment, and once it is in your community, you have to be doubly vigilant,” he said
“That’s been shown time and time again.”
The government also said $370,000 is being provided to combat COVID-19 in the far north.
The majority of the money — $350,000 — is going to New North, the province’s northern communities association.
Officials said it will be used to establish, staff and maintain community checkpoints as part of the recent public health order restricting non-critical travel.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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