Clearwater River Dene Nation sees spike in active COVID-19 cases

According to Ahenakew, there is a backlog of data entry presenting long delays in getting recovery and case numbers up to date.

Numbers for La Loche are at 73 positive cases and 23 presumptive cases. There are a total of 15 cases in Clearwater River Dene Nation, with four of those recovered. One was confirmed by leadership in Île-à-la-Crosse with four presumptive cases.

“We’re looking at a good jump of seven new cases from yesterday,” Chief Teddy Clark said. “There’s a good chance for a spike in positive cases tomorrow.”

“I know you’ve asked about recoveries, leadership is requesting each day, we know we have some recoveries occurring in the community and they need to update their data and I know there are some recoveries occurring out there,” St. Pierre said.

Community Update

The Emergency Operations Centre is working on finding mental health support for people in the community suffering from stress and anxiety of being at home for long periods of time.

A young mother support and youth group are being created by Jim Pattison Foundation and other agencies who are supplying activities and childcare essentials.

It was also noted people are expected to clean up after themselves after using an isolation unit. The unit is then cleaned one day after an individual is released for additional sanitation.

“We’re having trouble getting people to clean, though I think they found someone and a team was hired to help clean,” St. Pierre said.

Liquor store question

The contentious matter of the liquor stores remaining open was discussed, with St.Pierre saying he had spoken to various government ministers about it.

“ We are still willing to [close the liquor store] though we want to put some measures in place to respect the health facility is not over-burdened and we want to make sure people who have conditions are taken care of too,” St.Pierre said.

Most stores are closed to the public and people are having food delivered to their homes. Montgrand noted food prices are beginning to increase though liquor prices remain stable. Both grocery stores are doing curbside and pick up only and those lining up for liquor are taking physical distancing measures seriously.

Checkpoints now in effect are outside of Clearwater’s reserve school. There are checkpoints north of La Loche and both sides of Buffalo Narrows town, one checkpoint at Beauval gas station, and another in Green Lake. While the reserve may not have essential services, individuals will be allowed in La Loche once a day in an effort to minimize traffic.

“Travelling is only for essential services and if you have a letter that you’re unable to, you’re going to need a note from a doctor,” Montgrand said.

Cloth masks have been recommended as they are washable and reusable as disposable masks can only last approximately eight hours.

Chief Teddy Clark said contact tracing will begin early next week at Clearwater River Dene Nation. SHA staff will be going door to door to educate residents on proper use of PPE and the Chief is asking for cooperation. Isolation units are also on their way to the reserve though Clearwater River is using the treatment centre to support patients.

Chief Clark also added he’s received numerous complaints of people partying along the highway and north of La Loche. RCMP are now patrolling the highway.

Clarke referred to the premature re-opening phase of Saskatchewan’s economy by the provincial government as a slap in the face as the north has been excluded from plans, he said. He again called on band members to stay home.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722

by Nicole Reis

Clearwater River Dene Nation sees spike in active COVID-19 cases

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