La Loche mayor says community elder with COVID-19 has died

The mayor of La Loche says a member of his community has passed away due to COVID-19.

On Sunday afternoon, Robert St. Pierre told 650 CKOM that the death was an elder in the community.

According to St. Pierre, the community member was receiving care in North Battleford prior to their death on Sunday.

In an email, the province said it cannot yet confirm the death was related to COVID-19.

“At this time, the four confirmed deaths in the province of Saskatchewan is all the case information we have,” the email reads.

“There are reporting requirements for public health that need to be followed, as COVID-19 is a reportable illness under the Public Health Act. This happens quickly but, at this time, I cannot confirm this death was caused by COVID-19.”

However, the province did pass on their condolences to the family of the deceased this afternoon.

“Whether it is confirmed that this case is as a result as of COVID-19 or not, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, our deepest sympathies to the family at this time.”

On Saturday, a post on the Northern Village of La Loche’s Facebook page stated that Clearwater Dene Nation and the La Loche community had 24 cases of COVID-19.

According to the province, 32 of Saskatchewan’s 61 active cases of COVID-19 are located in the ‘far north’ region, while nine more are in the ‘north’ region.