38 COVID-19 cases in La Loche area as elder death is confirmed

“I want to stress, our vulnerable population will not recover very easily,” Zayed said. ”I commend the community and the people who are really staying at home and sticking to the precautions.”

Contact tracing determined 29 cases are travel related and the doctor was able to link cases to community movement.

“This infection can be very mild for some people like headache or sinusitis where it appears to be an allergy. For many of people it won’t be a risk [but] for some vulnerable people, it will be a great risk so we need to be mindful of that. When we say to self-isolate if you have mild symptoms like chills or a headache, you need to stay at home and get tested,” she said.

Chief Teddy Clark inquired about flu vaccines and if those who have been inoculated, could be affected by COVID-19.

During flu season, as we know, the influenza virus can be widespread and that’s why this year we should be very careful,” she said. “Of course a person can get flu and get COVID-19. As we are now in this trying time, before people we’re not very compliant about taking the flu vaccine. This year, especially our vulnerable population, vulnerable meaning less than 5-years-old and people above 65, we need to start early this year to get them the vaccine and we need to be careful and committed to get vaccinated and get protection.

Dr. Zayed went on to say the flu vaccine may not protect 100 per cent and it is still possible to get influenza and emphasized the flu vaccine protects against admission to the hospital and protects against the severity of cases. Smokers are more prone to get flu and COVID-19, and present complications with flu deterioration.

“We don’t know if the flu vaccine will protect from COVID-19 or get a cross reaction, we don’t know. What we do know, is at least there is a vaccine for influenza and protection, so it’s important to take it as early as possible when the season starts,” she said.

Premier Scott Moe got on the radio as well and said he has been actively aware of what is happening in the community and thanked those who are putting efforts toward keeping the community safe.

“We have some work to do ahead of us. Some work one, in communicating what we can do as individuals to ensure we’re slowing the spread of this COVID-19 virus, and two, we have some work to do in supporting those collectively as a community, but also as a province and as a nation.

“Supporting those who’ve had the disease to ensure they have the health care they need, to ensure they have the opportunities to self-isolate so that they don’t ultimately spread this to others and it’s about keeping ourselves safe and keeping others safe,” he said.

Last Friday, everyone in the community was given protective face masks and have been urged not to go out unless one is worn.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722

by Nicole Reis

38 COVID-19 cases in La Loche area as elder death is confirmed

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