Only about 60 per cent of those between 20 and 29 have received a first shot. (File photo/Town of La Ronge)

By Derek Cornet

restrictions lifting

Tri-communities behind in vaccination rates as province set to reopen

Jul 9, 2021 | 5:00 PM

La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak is urging tri-community residents to become vaccinated as soon as possible as all provincial COVID-19 health measures are set to be lifted Sunday.

“We are not doing that well in the tri-communities as far as vaccination rates go,” he said. “Our older populations have done a great job, but about 60 and below, we’re still not seeing a lot happening with vaccinations. We still need a big push for that and, until we see those targeted, we can’t fully get back to the normal everyone is wanting.”

Ratushniak explained many businesses will continue with mandatory mask mandates on Sunday, including the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre gymnasium where he’s the fitness supervisor. He noted Premier Scott Moe has been clear businesses can continue such mandates and it is up to customers where they choose to shop because of those mandates.

Ratushniak mentioned he supports any business or individuals deciding not to unmask, adding there is no shame keeping masks on until vaccination rates go up or herd immunity is reached.

“It’s really up to the public to help get those vaccination rates up,” he said. “It’s really in the public’s hands to see how long it will take.”

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According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, as of June 30, 75 per cent of Air Ronge and La Ronge residents have received their first shot of a vaccine. There are, however, varying rates of coverage between ages groups.

For instance, those between 30 and 39 still have not yet reached the 70 per cent criteria for reopening. The rate is about 60 per cent for those between 18 and 29, and 50 per cent for those between 12 to 17. There is a huge gap in the number of people who didn’t go back for a second dose.

“On the flip side of that, it is super exciting the (La Ronge and District) Chamber of Commerce has decided to step up and do a fireworks display on Monday,” Ratushniak said. “Hopefully, that will give people a little bit of that light at the end of the tunnel sort of feeling.”

As of July 7, there were less than or equal to five cases of active COVID-19 in each Air Ronge and La Ronge. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band is reporting one case on-reserve in La Ronge as of July 8.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno