Following consultation with the Mayor of La Loche and other northern leaders on April 24, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Shahab signed a Public Health Order restricting all non-critical travel into northern Saskatchewan. Dr. Shahab is also issuing a strong recommendation against non-essential travel between communities within northern Saskatchewan.
This action is being taken in addition to a number of other actions the government has taken to address the outbreak in La Loche and protect northern residents.
Premier Scott Moe said there are unique challenges when an outbreak occurs in a remote northern community.
“Our government has already taken significant action to respond to the situation in La Loche and we are taking further action today,” Moe said. “I have spoken with La Loche Mayor Robert St. Pierre and several other people in the community and we will continue to work closely with northern leaders to protect the north.”
Checkpoints have been established by northern leadership along all highways leading into northern Saskatchewan. Today’s order provides the full legal authority to enforce travel restrictions into the north.
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.
Moe said the requirement to self-isolate may also be a challenge for some residents.
“Social housing units are already being provided for individuals who need to self-isolate,” Moe said. “I have directed that the school in La Loche also be made available for this purpose and that the Public Safety Agency provide mobile housing units – work-camp trailers – for individuals who need to self-isolate.”
Actions taken to date include:
“As I noted yesterday, even though Saskatchewan has successfully reduced the spread of COVID-19, unfortunately we can expect to experience isolated outbreaks,” Moe said. “Our health system and our government is prepared to take immediate action to respond to these outbreaks and that’s what we are doing today in the north.”
Public inquiries regarding the restriction of all non-critical travel into the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (NSAD) can be directed to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency toll-free line at 1-855-559-5502.