Travel restrictions for northern Saskatchewan got tighter Thursday afternoon.
In an April 30 news conference, the provincial government announced more restrictions for communities within the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District (NSAD).
All non-critical travel to, from or between communities in the NSAD, which includes Creighton, Denare Beach, Deschambault Lake, Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay and others has been restricted by the provincial government. Residents in northern communities have been ordered by the provincial government to remain in their communities and practice social distancing. Exceptions to the rule include grocery shopping, medical appointments and other essential needs.
Travel for essential services or for work, or across the provincial border between Flin Flon and Creighton, is still allowed.
Six more cases of COVID-19 were reported in Saskatchewan April 30, with one from the far north zone. The far north case was reported in La Loche. The rest of the cases were reported in Saskatoon and the northern zone, with three cases from the northern zone including two from Lloydminster.
The far north zone has reported a total of 58 positive COVID-19 cases - 50 of those cases remain active.
The Saskatchewan government also announced the dedication of another $370,000 to fight COVID-19 in the far north. Most of the money - $350,000 in total - will be supplied to northern community organization New North by the provincial government relations ministry.
"Funding will help establish, staff and maintain community checkpoints as part of a recent public health order to address COVID-19 in the province's north," reads the provincial announcement.
The remaining $20,000 will go directly to the Northern Village of La Loche. The community has seen one of the province's worst outbreaks in recent weeks, with 39 total cases linked to the community and one death.
"These funds will be used to support local public safety, food security and educational initiatives organized by the community to encourage physical distancing and self-isolation of residents," reads a provincial statement.
The province also added seasonal businesses, like outfitters, guiding services and campgrounds, to be eligible for the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment. Under the program, business owners can be eligible for support grants of up to $5,000 to offset lost revenue.
