A First Nation northeast of Saskatoon has had strict guidelines to prevent any transmission of COVID-19 over and above what much of the province has had for most of the pandemic.

Chief of the One Arrow First Nation, Tricia Sutherland, says they closed their borders during the lock-down last March and that continued through the end of July.  Only essential workers, band members and those who live in the community were allowed in, although they were all allowed to travel outside their borders if they want.  After an outbreak in mid-November, the borders were closed again.  Anyone who had to isolate was provided the essentials, like food and picking up any needed medications.
For two weeks over Christmas and New Years there was a complete lock-down where no one was allowed in or out.

Chief Sutherland says there were worries around holiday gatherings.Everything needed for a Christmas meal was provided.  The borders remain closed to visitors, but she hopes the community understands why these restrictions are in place.

A caller to CJWW said there was a snowmobile rally last weekend, but Sutherland says it wasn’t a rally, although there were people outside on their snowmobiles, which is not against any of the restrictions if physical distancing is considered.

Sutherland adds that their safety measures also include a curfew that is in place between 11pm and 7am, and if there are gatherings, the RCMP are called in.