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.

An employee at the La Loche RCMP Detachment tests positive for COVID-19

On April 20, a civilian employee at the La Loche RCMP Detachment was tested for COVID-19 after displaying symptoms. The employee immediately self-isolated as per the direction of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). Yesterday, April 23, the employee advised the RCMP their test results were positive. The employee will continue to follow the direction of the SHA and remain in self-isolation.

The RCMP said six additional employees – two civilian employees and four police officers – at the La Loche RCMP Detachment have been ordered to self-isolate while waiting for testing.

In the release RCMP sent, it said residents in the La Loche RCMP Detachment area will see some new faces in their communities over the next few weeks while the seven employees self-isolate.

The release says the Saskatchewan RCMP is following all directions given by the SHA in relation to this positive test result. This includes thoroughly disinfecting the La Loche Detachment, police vehicles and other areas as required.