Montreal Lake Cree Nation will be initiating a lockdown due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the community.

The lockdown is scheduled to run in phases with the first phase making the reserve available to community members only.

The second phase will see 1 to 2 members from each household able to leave for supplies twice a week. The security gate at the entrance to the community will be keeping travel logs.

The final phase will be a total lockdown where only essential staff and infrastructure services will be allowed to enter and exit the community.

Leadership says they will only move from one phase to another if Covid-19 cases continue to rise.

The first phase begins on Friday.