(Submitted/Northern Village of La Loche)

By Nicole Reis

COVID-19 UPDATE

La Loche and Clearwater River see further increase in COVID-19 cases

Apr 23, 2020 | 6:15 PM

The northern village of La Loche reported new positive cases of COVID-19 Thursday bringing the community total to 19.

Dr. Rim Zayed with the Saskatchewan Health Authority told the community over local radio the total positive cases in La Loche are at 14 and Clearwater River Dene Nation are now at five.

“I request your support so we can work together” she said. “We’re doing our best to help the community to test and contact trace and give recommendations required to contain virus.”

Dr. Zayed urged the community to stay home and not drive a car as community spread is possible when leaving the self-isolated space while infected.

“Really self-isolate – stay home if you have symptoms,” Dr. Zayed said. “When you go out, you are contributing to the spread in the community.”

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La Loche mayor Robert St. Pierre urged the community to take the virus seriously. He said of the new cases reported today, the results came from contact tracing in the community.

“People are coming in and out of the community from Turner Lake, Bear Creek, Black Point,” he said. “Lets not wait until numbers get to 80 and blame leadership.”

Executive Director of the La Loche Friendship Centre, Leonard Montgrand said a grant was issued to eight First Nation communities by the Metis Nation Fund which contributes to COVID-19 community aid and homeless people in a mobile camp in the community.

Montgrand said the transfer of the virus began with an individual from Kearl Lake who transferred it to a health care worker in La Loche where the spread began in the community.

“Today we’re on our 19th [case], we’re coming close to 20 and I’m assuming by tomorrow, we’ll have more,” he said.

Jennifer Ahenikew, Executive Director of Primary Health Care urged the community who may be showing symptoms to stay home.

Common signs include respiratory symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Older people or those with chronic illnesses may be at higher risk for a more severe form of the disease.

If symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, see a health care provider or call HealthLine at 811. If HealthLine 811 recommends you seek acute care, they will provide instruction to call ahead.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @ncicolereis7722