Face masks and physical distancing are proven ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

health restrictions

Many tri-communities businesses still requiring customers to wear masks

Jul 12, 2021 | 2:13 PM

Pandemic health measures were lifted Sunday, but some businesses in the tri-communities will still require the use of face masks by employees and customers.

The Source and Keethanow Group of Businesses are among some of the places in the tri-communities still requiring masks upon entry. The Source owner Sonny Montilla was one of the first during the pandemic to make masks mandatory in October 2020, more than a month before the rule became province-wide.

Montilla decided to extend restrictions, including physical distancing, at his store due to information from the Saskatchewan Health Authority that vaccination rates are low in the tri-communities.

“We need to have some balance in our economy and I think the Government of Saskatchewan is doing that,” he said. “We have to balance the economy with the safety of everyone. For me personally, my opinion is it’s too early and I hope everyone will be safe.”

Montilla particularly has concerns about the Delta variant and how it has an increased infectivity rate. He noted, however, customer so far have been courteous and the extension of health restrictions at his store haven’t been an issue.

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The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) issued a public statement Friday announcing COVID-19 measures will continue at all band businesses and facilities. It noted it was strongly recommended by the Northern Inter-Tribal Healthy Authority that First Nations consider a more cautious approach to reopening compared to the rest of Saskatchewan.

“Therefore, the LLRIB will continue to observe safety protocol as mentioned in the Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace Policy,” the statement added. “Immunization continues to be the most important measure that can be taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 in First Nations communities.”

According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, as of June 30, 75 per cent of Air Ronge and La Ronge residents have received their first shot of a vaccine. There are, however, varying rates of coverage between ages groups and a large gap of people who haven’t received a second shot.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno