La Loche confirms first case of COVID-19

The northern community of La Loche has confirmed its first case of COVID-19.

La Loche mayor, Robert St. Pierre told meadowlakeNOW the case is contained and the affected individual is self-isolating at home.

“The community has been working on a pandemic plan and it’s not a matter of if we are going to get a virus in the community, it’s a matter of when and how were going to deal with it,” he said. “We’re waiting on the next results and hopefully those come back negative and if they don’t, we’ll deal with it one step at a time.”

According to St. Pierre, at approximately 4:15 p.m. on April 15, the health authorities were made aware of the case and began contact tracing in the community. Community officials called an emergency meeting and spent approximately two hours afterward communicating with the community over local radio.

Jason Young, director of education with Northern Lights School Division 113 said although he is not a health expert, he is optimistic with the resilience of people in the community and its local leadership.

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“I was in the emergency planning meeting with local officials and I’m impressed with the local leadership related to the pandemic,” Young said. “I’m feeling very encouraged by the efforts of the leadership to collaborate, communicate and work together in addressing the situation.”

In a statement, Saskatchewan Health Authority Public Health said staff started contact tracing related to a positive results for COVID-19 in La Loche. Due to patient privacy concerns, Saskatchewan Health Authority is not able to confirm any specifics about cases.

Contact tracing begins when positive lab results are received. The person who has a positive result is contacted by Public Health, and then a contact list is created based on information provided. Public Health subsequently tracks down and assesses everyone who came into contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. Public health is working to ensure contact tracing to mitigate further spread of the virus.

As contact tracing investigations are ongoing, the SHA reminds everyone to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission.

Extra precautions include thorough and frequent hand washing, coughing into your arm, avoid touching your face, monitoring yourself for any symptoms of COVID-19 and following guidelines for social distancing.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, the guideline is to self-isolate immediately and contact your family physician or call HealthLine 811.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722