SHA urging against travel across northern Saskatchewan-Alberta border

Health officials are urging people not to travel across the Saskatchewan-Alberta border in the north.

In a news release issued Saturday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority says contact tracing is underway after new cases of COVID-19 were found in the northern part of the province.

The advisory says the cases are linked to travel between the regions.

“There have been reports of a number of COVID-19 cases identified at an oil sands facility north of Fort McMurray,” the release says.

“In recognition that there are close connections between communities with regular interprovincial travel for work and other reasons, there is potential for community transmission with continued non-essential travel between communities across the border.”

Northern residents are being told to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from northern Alberta.

They should monitor for symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, chills, diminished sense of smell, body aches, and trouble breathing.

If so, residents should call HealthLine 811 or their community health centre for advice.