First Nations leaders in northern Manitoba say they will ignore a court injunction ordering the removal of a blockade to the Keeyask Generation Station construction site.

Manitoba Hydro says the injunction issued yesterday proves the Crown corporation's plan to resume regular work rotations is safe for workers and neighbouring communities.

But Indigenous leaders say they are still worried about the spread of COVID-19 at the project -- a collaborative effort between the utility and four First Nations.

War Lake Chief Betsy Kennedy says allowing hundreds of people to travel to the site contradicts public health orders restricting non-essential travel into northern Manitoba and puts First Nations at a significantly higher risk.