Contacting tracing is currently underway to stem the spread of COVID-19. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

contact tracing underway

First presumptive case of coronavirus identified in tri-communities

May 14, 2020 | 5:42 PM

A presumptive case of corona​virus has been identified in the tri-communities as an individual in their 60s.

That’s according to a public service announcement Thursday by the provincial government, which stated the individual was tested May 13 at the La Ronge Health Centre after developing symptoms. Lac La Ronge In​​​dian Band Health Services, Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority and Saskatchewan Health Authority public health officials confirmed contact tracing investigation is underway.

“Quite frankly, I’m very surprised because I think our communities have been very careful in what we do,” La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich said. “I hate to say it this way, but I do hope the person is maybe not from our community, but at the same time, if that person is from La Ronge, Air Ronge or the immediate reserve, I hope they are well looked after.”

Customers who shop​ped or bought gas at some locations and dates are advised to self-monitor daily for symptoms of COVID-19 including Fire Creek Gas Bar in Saskatoon (May 4), La Ronge Co-op Gas Bar (May 4 to 11), Robertson Trading Ltd. (May 11), Keethanow Supermarket (May 5-8) Keethanow Gas Bar (May 4) and Cravings Late Night Food (May 1 to 9).

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, headache, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose and a diminished sense of smell and taste. Woytowich noted he doesn’t know who the individual with the presumptive case is, adding its important for local residents to remain vigilant and careful.

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“It probably reinforces, for me anyway, the idea that we as a town joined with the other two communities in requesting the road ban be extended,” he said. “The last thing we want is for it to be imported into our community in any way.”

During a press conference earlier today, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab told reporters the individual was involved in a gathering that could have included more than 10 people, noting an investigation is underway in terms of preventing transmission.

“This is just a flag for those who may have gone to these locations on those dates to just monitor the symptoms and, if they have any questions or concerns, to call public health in terms of testing and other advice,” he said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno