(Submitted/ La Loche Air Hitchhikers)

By Nicole Reis

LA LOCHE COMMUNITY

La Loche to possibly soften restrictions as early as next week

May 28, 2020 | 5:19 PM

The Far North could see some restrictions eased in the coming days should the community continue its vigilance in their battle against COVID-19. The first positive case appeared in the community on April 15.

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 183 with zero new cases and 24 active cases. Clearwater River Dene Nation Chief Teddy Clark was not present during the update to report details for his community.

“We’re going to start establishing a task force with health to support the northwest,” St. Pierre said. “It will improve local capacity and will include representation from La Loche in determining the best course of action [should we see] a second wave [affect the community].”

It was also determined during a La Loche council meeting this morning, reopening liquor facilities on June 4 could happen should active case numbers continue to decline. Liquor facilities have been closed for three weeks.

“We have had significant decrease in calls to the RCMP dealing with matters that are alcohol related,” he said. “Alcohol is a contributing factor to a lot of the violence and emotions and what comes with alcohol [consumption].

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The mayor encouraged the community to be mindful of responsible alcohol use, to remain considerate and respectful as some restrictions appear to be lifting dependant on active case numbers.

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan council member Leonard Montgrand addressed checkpoints and said one La Loche checkpoint has been moved to the far end of Buffalo Narrows to allow for more mobility as numerous complaints have been reported of people experiencing unnecessary hassle when travelling for medical appointments and essential services. There was an indication checkpoints going into the North could be lifted pending confirmation from Chief Teddy Clark.

“The timeline for the other checkpoints to be closing – shutting down the one in Green Lake and I know Beauval has one, but its community only so there is no checkpoint on Highway 155,” he said. “Buffalo Narrows has one on the other side of Highway 155. As our numbers come down, a lot of these communities will start to see roadblocks coming down and I’m thinking within a week or so.”

Mayor St. Pierre said discussions are underway with Marlo Pritchard, president of Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and Minister of Government Relations Lori Carr about having checkpoints eased as early as next week contingent on active case numbers.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722