LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson wants the government to change its approach to lifting COVID-19 restrictions. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

pandemic

Too soon to end COVID-19 restrictions: Chief Tammy Cook-Searson

Feb 8, 2022 | 2:45 PM

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson believes the provincial government is moving too fast when it comes to ending COVID-19 restrictions in Saskatchewan.

On Tuesday, it was announced the requirement to provide proof of vaccination or negative tests in Saskatchewan businesses, workplaces and other public venues will end Feb. 14. The remaining public health orders requiring masking in indoor public spaces will remain in effect until the end of the month.

Premier Scott Moe stated it is time to take the next step in living with COVID-19, noting proof of vaccination has been an effective policy, but it has run its course.

“This announcement is really going to hamper our vaccination efforts,” Cook-Searson said. “We’re still waiting for the peak of the Omicron variant within our communities and in the North.”

Cook-Searson explained based on previous waves, the peak of active cases in northern Saskatchewan doesn’t occur until two or three weeks after the peak in the southern half. She said the Omicron wave in the North isn’t expected for another two weeks.

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Cook-Searson mentioned it would have been a better idea to end restrictions based on data such as hospitalization rates.

“We don’t have a comprehensive picture of the Omicron wave and the impacts of it and what the peak will be,” she said. “Those are just predictions too that it will peak in two weeks in the North. We are still seeing a high number of people contracting COVID-19 right now within all of our communities. The vaccine rates in all of the North are not optimal yet.”

The highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to be a concern, Cook-Searson noted. She said even though it appears symptoms are milder, active cases could still be a strain on health care personnel and facilities if many people require hospitalization at one time.

As for ending COVID-19 restrictions at the main band office, schools and Keethanow Group of Businesses, Cook-Searson added council will be discussing that topic soon.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno