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Checkpoints are being set up along highways leading to Saskatchewan’s north after the province’s chief medical health officer issued an order restricting “non-critical” travel to the region on Friday.
Dr. Saqib Shahab and Premier Scott Moe said they’d reached an agreement with La Loche Mayor Robert St. Pierre and other northern leaders to restrict travel in an effort to contain a spike in COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan’s more remote communities.
Friday’s case update showed eight out of 10 new cases of the novel coronavirus were in Saskatchewan’s north and far north.
Northern leaders are now being given power by the provincial government to set up roadblocks and checkpoints along highways south of Green Lake, La Ronge and Cumberland House to limit travel.
Premier Moe indicated in a news conference that essential travel for medical treatment and supplies would still be allowed.
The checkpoints will be led and staffed by the northern communities.
Dr. Shahab also issued a “strong recommendation” to limit all non-essential travel between northern communities to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Premier Moe acknowledged it would be difficult for some northern residents to self isolate. He has directed leaders to make La Loche’s school available for housing, and work camp trailers are being sent to the community to provide additional spaces.
As of Friday there were 25 active cases of the virus in the province’s far north, where the restrictions would take place. Earlier in the week, an outbreak was declared at La Loche’s Health Centre LTC after two cases were found there. Mayor St. Pierre indicated at the time there were 12 cases in the community total.
Since then, the provincial government has sent more personal protective equipment to La Loche, along with a COVID-19 testing machine to allow for quicker case tracing. Officials are also using radio broadcasts in English, Cree, Dene and Michif to inform people in the north about the virus.