La Loche COVID-free three months after outbreak began

The site of the worst COVID-19 outbreak in Saskatchewan has been given the all-clear.

La Loche declared itself free of the virus after the last active case was deemed recovered on Wednesday.

“It has been a long haul, but it’s a welcome relief to know working together we can accomplish such a feat,” said Mayor Robert St. Pierre. “To get to zero is a huge milestone.”

The village and Clearwater Dene First Nation have accounted for almost a third of the 923 cases to date in the province. Of the 282 infected people, five died from the virus.

The first confirmed case was on April 15 and COVID-19 quickly spread.

The community’s response included closing the local liquor store and the launch of a managed alcohol program (MAP) by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

St. Pierre said the biggest challenge was convincing people the virus was a real threat. While restrictions have been eased, the community is not letting up.

He said continuing that education will be key in preventing another outbreak.

“The message now is that if you’re going out, the only way (the virus) comes back to the community is if someone brings it back to the community,” St. Pierre said.

“We are still practising precautions. We are still wearing our masks when we go shopping and out in public. We have learned to readjust our lives.”