There have been 55 confirmed cases in four out of six LLRIB communities as of Nov. 26. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

public health

LLRIB communities eliminate all confirmed coronavirus cases

Nov 27, 2020 | 12:06 PM

There are no active coronavirus cases in all six Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) communities as of Nov. 26.

Since the First Nation recorded its first case of the virus Sept. 29, there have been 55 on-reserve cases with the most being in Stanley Mission at 24. There were another 20 cases in Little Red River, six in La Ronge and five in Sucker River. Grandmother’s Bay and Hall Lake are yet to confirm any cases.

“Our public health nurses have been working with the ones who test positive and also the ones who are named as close contacts,” Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said. “They talk to the people who have tested positive and give the directions on how to look after themselves and their families.”

Cook-Searson explained a key part of preventing the spread of the virus is to have supports in place for those who are infected or named as a close contact. Assistance includes cleaning supplies and groceries, as well as accommodations for those who can’t self-isolate at home. Even if a close contact tests negative for the virus, they still must self-isolate for the ordered period of time.

Other important aspects include up to two meetings per day with band officials and others to stay ahead of the virus, as well as collaborating and working together with various partners.

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“Each of our communities are autonomous and we provide supports to the communities as they need,” Cook-Searson said, adding case numbers are also regularly shared with the public. “We do keep those numbers active as soon as we are notified of any positive cases.”

When someone does test positive, Cook-Searson mentioned public health nurses check in daily and she recommends family members and friends keep in contact as well.

Just because there are no positive coronavirus cases as of Thursday, Cook-Searson wanted to remind the public it still remains a public health concern and to continue following public health orders. She noted those who have tested positive or named as close contact have done well so far at self-isolating and listen to advice.

As of Sept. 16, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band has 11,267 registered members.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno