(submitted photo/ Chester Herman)

By Nicole Reis

LA LOCHE RECOVERING

La Loche active COVID-19 cases plummet as the village prepares to ease restrictions

Jun 2, 2020 | 5:21 PM

The northern village of La Loche could see some restrictions eased by Thursday within the Far North community as active COVID-19 cases continue to fall. In a public community update on the local CHPN 88.9 MBC Radio Network in La Loche, village leadership addressed the state of the community outbreak as active case numbers in the Far North village continue to decline.

La Loche mayor Robert St. Pierre reported a total COVID-19 case number of 182, 156 recovered, 20 active and one presumptive case. Chief Teddy Clark Clearwater River Dene Nation reported a total of 32 cases, 32 recoveries and zero active cases within the last two weeks.

“Even though we hit zero cases, doesn’t necessarily mean the virus is gone,” he said. “The virus is still alive and well in both communities until a vaccine is developed.”

Chief Clark highlighted the stress and anxiety of community members since the illness arrived and encouraged all people to continue to follow the public health order as physical distancing, strict good hygiene and limits on gatherings of less than 10 are encouraged.

La Loche mayor Robert St. Pierre said while Phase three of Saskatchewan’s Re-Open plan is slated for June 8, the province is considering lifting some restrictions in Northwest Saskatchewan. He added if numbers remain low, the community’s liquor facilities could open on June 4. If not, the public health order will remain in effect as directed by Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The checkpoint could come back to La Loche to contain the virus.

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Northern La Loche grocery store was also reported to be closed as the site is undergoing a thorough cleaning. According to the store’s social media page, one staff member tested positive for the virus on June 1. The store will reopen once SHA provides notice in the coming days.

(Submitted photo/ Northern La Loche)

“The Northern store is taking precautionary measures by cleaning the store again and everyone there has been tested,” St. Pierre said.

During the broadcast, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan council member Leonard Montgrand advised the community of a provincial service where the public can inform the province of businesses and individuals who are not in compliance with reopening guidelines. Montgrand reported community complaints about an individual who was allegedly infected and out in the community.

“If we figure we’re wrong about somebody, at least we’ve aired on a side of caution to ensure somebody isnt walking around the community that’s positive,” he said.

The mayor reported, as health orders are lifted, minnow harvesting could return to the community. St. Pierre assured the public in saying meetings are in place between leadership and the minister of Government Relations and the Ministry of Environment on Thursday to ensure the practice is not happening.

More on this as it develops.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722