The exemption was intially placed on La Ronge last week. (submitted photo/Tammy Cook-Searson)

By Derek Cornet

lockdown

Public health order exemptions removed for La Ronge and Stony Rapids

May 6, 2020 | 4:18 PM

An exemption to a public health order placed on La Ronge and Stony Rapids was removed Wednesday.

That means effectively immediately no person should travel to or out of the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District (NSAD) or travel outside the community in which their primary residence is located. The order states people can travel to the community closest to their community of primary residence to obtain essential goods and services not available in their own community.

Such outings are limited to a maximum of two times per week and motorist must take the most direct route. Each household can also only utilize one vehicle and each vehicle must only contain household members.

“At the request of the communities of Stony Rapids and La Ronge, and in consultation with local public health officials, the public health order restricting non-essential travel in the NSAD will be amended to include those communities effective May 6,” a provincial press release issued Wednesday states. “These measures will assist in ensuring that only essential travel happens through the North, supporting measures to prevent the further transmission of COVID-19.”

Travel is permitted to persons returning to their primary residence or employees of, and person delivering, critical public services and allowable business services. Persons are also allowed to travel for medical treatment or attend court where legally required to do so.

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Indigenous Peoples engaging in activities such as exercising their constitutionally protect right to hunt, fish and trap for food, or engage in other traditional uses of lands such as gathering plants for food and medicinal purposes or carry out ceremonial and spiritual observances and practices, are permitted.

La Ronge councillors originally asked the provincial government for the exemption, but back-tracked after public pressure to remove it.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno