Chief Tammy Cook-Searson is pleased with the provincial announcement. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

new restrictions

Cook-Searson supports mandatory masks and additional new health orders

Nov 17, 2020 | 4:25 PM

Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Chief Tammy Cook-Searson supports the provincial government’s announcement Tuesday to make indoor mask wearing mandatory in all parts of Saskatchewan.

During a press conference, Premier Scott Moe also mentioned the one-month slow down will include the reduction of private indoor gatherings to five people from 10, suspending visits to long-term care facilities except for compassionate reasons and the recommendation to work from home if possible. The new requirements come into force Thursday.

“I’m pleased with the decision that was made to make masking mandatory province-wide,” Cook- Searson said. “It was something that we had asked for in our letter because we know masks significantly reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.”

The letter Cook-Searson is referring to was sent to the provincial government demanding communities with a population less than 5,000 people to also fall under the former mandatory mask order. It was signed by Cook-Searson, Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk and La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak.

Cook-Searson explained herself, along with the two mayors, learned prior to the press conference today that masks would become mandatory in all part of Saskatchewan during a meeting with a provincial minister. She also noted she supports the other measures announced along with it.

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“Many of the cases are spread from household gatherings, getting together as a family and not knowing someone has COVID-19,” Cook-Searson said. “It’s something for us just to slow down, stay home as much as possible, wear our masks, keep social distancing, washing our hands often, cough or sneezing into our elbows and just staying home if we aren’t feeling well and just to stay home if you are able to.”

It’s already been more than one month since the LLRIB council passed a motion to make the wearing of masks mandatory at all facilities such as businesses, offices and schools. Cook-Searson explained at the La Ronge band office, staff members have their temperature checked every morning and are advised to stay home if they are sick. Most employees are working in the band offices, but they are expected to stay two meters apart.

In the tri-communities, there are currently seven active coronavirus cases in La Ronge, four in La Ronge (on-reserve) and zero in Air Ronge. There have been 23 cases to date.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno