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(file photo/paNOW Staff)
COVID-19

Avoid travel during the pandemic, including to lake country

Mar 27, 2020 | 2:06 PM

With warmer temperatures in the forecast, many people may be considering an escape to the lakes, but the R.M. of Lakeland is cautioning against that in the midst of the pandemic.

Reeve Cheryl Bauer-Hyde told paNOW her municipality is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely. While they haven’t made an official statement telling seasonal visitors to stay away, she’s encouraging people to follow public health guidelines to stay home and not travel.

“I think we would want to encourage people to remain in their permanent residences at this time where they’re close to the facilities and services that they need with family and friends,” she said noting the nearest hospital to Lakeland is 30 to 45 minutes away in Prince Albert.

If someone wants to check on their seasonal home, she said there are options that don’t involve making a trip from the city.

“Instead of travelling up here, maybe phone a friend or a service that’s provided in the municipality,” Bauer-Hyde said.

Meanwhile, the provincial government reminded the public to stay away from provincial parks in a Friday media release. The spaces have been closed since Monday in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“We understand many people are eager to get out of the house and spend time outdoors,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said in a media release Friday. “However, our provincial parks are not where people should be congregating right now.”

alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom

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