The provincial government has announced further travel restrictions and further supports for people living in the northern part of the province.

The Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District (NASD) will receive $370,000 targeted to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the far north. Businesses like northern outfitters have been added to the list of businesses that qualify under the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment, as well.  

The far northern communities in Saskatchewan have been hit harder than the south with positive cases and deaths in recent weeks.

 “We are providing direct supports to northern communities and businesses to ensure the necessary resources are available, while imposing further restrictions to ensure the necessary steps are being taken to reduce the spread and flatten the curve in the north,” said Premier Scott Moe in a media release.

In addition to the aid, there is an extension of travel restrictions as well. All non-critical travel in and out of the NASD and non-critical travel between communities is restricted. Northern residents are ordered to remain in their communities and practice social distancing.

Travel related to delivery of essential services is still being permitted.

This goes further than the recent original travel order from government.

“Given the uniqueness of the north, case-by-case exemptions to the Order were evaluated upon the request of a community. To date, the municipalities of La Ronge and Stony Rapids have been granted exemptions. This means that travel to and from La Ronge and Stony Rapids from outside the NSAD is allowed, but individuals are not permitted to stop in any other community,” the release said.