Increasing COVID-19 cases in the north is prompting several public health agencies to recommend against non-essential travel.

“The Office of the Northern Medical Health Officers for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, The Athabasca Health Authority and the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority are advising all northern residents to avoid travel outside their communities,” said a release.

As of Friday, the Far North has 508 active cases. Health officials suggest the high number of infections are linked to out of region travel such as the south or out-of-province.

The two recommendations warn “against all non-essential travel outside the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District effective immediately and until further notice,” stated the release. “That travel between communities within the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District be limited to only that for essential services, effective immediately and until further notice.”

The recommendation is only an advisory and not part of current public health restrictions.