La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak said residents have done a good job so far following the orders. (Colin Ratushniak/Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

pandemic restrictions

‘A wake up call’: La Ronge mayor urges residents to follow new health orders

Nov 25, 2020 | 4:13 PM

La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak is warning local residents to follow the public health orders issued by the provincial government Wednesday to avoid a widescale economic lockdown.

“I sure hope this is a wake up call for everybody and they do take it seriously because the numbers don’t lie,” he said.

During a press conference this afternoon, Premier Scott Moe announced a number of new restrictions coming into force Friday until Dec. 17 aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus. New measures include not allowing more than four people to sit together in a restaurant with tables separated by three meters unless barriers exist between them. Restaurants will also need to keep customer information.

Sports competition and group activities have also been suspended with the exception of some for those 18 years old or younger. The mandatory masking order is also expanded to include common areas in businesses, workplaces and correctional facilities.

For facilities with a capacity 150 people, the number of customers will be capped at 30 for arenas, bingo halls, casinos, live theatres and movie theatres. A limit of 30 will also be in place for banquets, weddings, funerals and conferences with food and beverages not allowed to be served.

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“I think we have to listen to the professionals and they know the science behind this more than anybody else,” Ratushniak said. “So, if the general public is not willing to do its part, then this is when the government needs to step in a little bit more.”

He also explained the measures go as far as they can to still keep the economy open and that he’s hopeful if everyone does as ordered there won’t be a lockdown before Christmas.

“I’m sure a lot of people don’t want to have happen, that way we can still have some sort of normalcy for that,” Ratushniak said. “I think people need to take things very seriously if we want that to not affect our Christmas plan. If they don’t, then I can see further restrictions coming.”

Tonight also marks the first meeting of La Ronge council since the municipal election was held earlier this month. Ratushniak noted some councillors will be attending via Skype instead of in person.

There are currently 3,012 active cases of coronavirus in Saskatchewan as of Nov. 25. There are also 7,047 reported cases, 3,998 recoveries and 118 active cases in the Far North East which includes La Ronge.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno