All non-critical travel into northern Saskatchewan has been restricted by a public health order, announced Premier Scott Moe and chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab at a press conference on Friday.
The order comes after an outbreak of COVID-19 hit the La Loche area. Moe said 25 of the active 57 cases in the province are located in the north.
“Today it is a recommendation to not travel into northern communities, but that may change in the days ahead,” said Moe.
According to a media release sent out by the province, checkpoints have been established by northern leadership along all highways leading into northern Saskatchewan. The order, signed Friday by Shahab, provides full legal authority to enforce travel restrictions into the north.
Moe said the government has offered their fire suppression staff to support the checkpoints put in place and to provide any other support that may be required in the northern communities.
Moe also said social housing units are already being provided for individuals in La Loche who are required to self isolate.
“Even though Saskatchewan has successfully reduced the spread of COVID-19, unfortunately, we can expect to experience isolated outbreaks,” said Moe.
“Our health system and our government are prepared to take immediate action to respond to these outbreaks,” he added.
The release also said staffing of the checkpoints will continue to be directed by northern leadership. The provincial government has offered fire suppression staff to support the checkpoints and to provide any other support required.
According to the province, steps already taken to prevent further spread in northern Saskatchewan include supplying a portable GeneXpert testing unit to La Loche, additional personal protective equipment to the La Loche Health Centre, regular COVID-19 updates and information in four languages, and the deployment of two emergency services officers from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to the community for support.
Moe said he has also had conversations with La Loche’s mayor in regards to opening up schools and providing supplies such as cots and blankets in the event there are additional people who need to self-isolate.
To date, the province has 341 cases of COVID-19. Of those cases, 57 are considered active and 280 have recovered.
