(Submitted/Raymond Dauvin)

By Nicole Reis

LA LOCHE COVID-19 UPDATE

Six new cases in La Loche, checkpoint powers explained

May 20, 2020 | 8:16 PM

In a public health briefing Wednesday, Dr. Rim Zayed, Chief Medical Health Officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority reported six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 bringing the village of La Loche’s reported total to 167 cases. To date, 90 cases have recovered. Clearwater River Dene Nation has a total 13 active cases with 17 recoveries for a total of 30 reported cases.

Zayed told the northern community door-to-door testing has been completed therefore more positive cases are expected. While she praised the efforts of the community and its leadership, she encouraged those who have not demonstrated flu-like symptoms to get tested anyway and to continue with stringent hygiene measures and physical distancing.

“Some people who really got infected and they test positive but show no symptoms, so some do not believe in this infection or maybe think the test is wrong. No, the test is very specific and sensitive ,” she said.” We request for the sake of other people and for loved ones that they stay in mandatory isolation.”

The doctor stressed the importance of 14-day mandatory isolation as asymptomatic individuals are still capable of infecting others. She asked for those who have tested positive to stay at home and stressed for those who have mild symptoms who don’t notice they could be infected to continue with isolation.

The doctor explained during flu-season beginning in October, people should get vaccinated. She said a vaccine must undergo rigorous testing before it becomes available to the public and encouraged skeptics to be discerning of misinformation circulating.

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She explained, before a vaccine becomes safe for human use, the public must learn to adapt to public health orders in an effort to protect those with weakened immune systems. In order to prevent a second wave, the public must take responsibility now in taking precautions with limiting gatherings and hygiene.

Checkpoints

Marlo Pritchard, president of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) explained the parameters for the public using checkpoints saying he was impressed with their professionalism. While checkpoints are in place for public health in restricting non-essential travel to those who may inadvertently spread the virus, they cannot entirely stop essential travel and they are not equipped to stop bootleggers coming into the community.

Only trips for medical appointments and essential goods are permitted through checkpoints. If you cannot get essentials in the community, travel is still restricted. A letter from the mayor or chief is not required though Pritchard said a note or an email helps.

“There are some communities that do that but no, if an individual has a medical appointment, it makes it really easy for the checkpoints if you have a letter or an email but you don’t even need that, but you don’t need a letter from the mayor or your chief to go for a medical appointment,” Pritchard said.

A letter from a community leader will not be sufficient for those who are requesting to go to Saskatoon or Meadow Lake to get away. Travel is restricted unless there is a medical appointment or essential services are not available immediately in the community. Community staff who are travelling out to get essentials and those coming into the community will have necessary documentation.

RCMP have seized alcohol coming into the community and Pritchard explained roadblocks are not set up to stop bootlegging though encouraged the public to report illegal distribution of alcohol in the community to Crime Stoppers or police.

Community Leadership

Chief Teddy Clark encouraged people who do not have symptoms, to volunteer themselves to get tested. The Clearwater River Dene Nation community has tested over 100 homes to date and should be completed testing in one week.

“Even if we hit zero reported cases, we still need to take extra precaution and practice physical distancing,” he said. “The virus will still be active and alive with us regardless.”

While liquor facilities are closed and the Chief is seeing a positive impact is some cases, booze is still being bootlegged from places like Buffalo Narrows which is interfering with people recovering and measures to limit gatherings.

Mayor Robert St. Pierre said the virus will be in the community for at least 18 months until a vaccine is developed and encouraged vigilance in practicing physical distancing for the foreseeable future.

A moment of silence was held for the elder who recently passed in the La Loche community and condolences were paid to the Montgrand family.

—

nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter:@nicolereis7722