A civilian employee at the La Loche RCMP detachment has tested positive for COVID-19, the Saskatchewan RCMP announced Friday.
The employee was tested April 20 for COVID-19 after displaying symptoms, and immediately self-isolated as per the direction of the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Three days later, the individual advised the RCMP their test results were positive. The employee will continue to follow the direction of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and remain in self-isolation.
Six additional employees – two civilian employees and four police officers – at the La Loche RCMP detachment have been ordered to self-isolate while waiting for testing.
Residents in the La Loche RCMP detachment area will see some new faces in their communities over the next few weeks while the seven employees self-isolate.
The Saskatchewan RCMP is following all directions given by the Saskatchewan Health Authority in relation to this positive test result. This includes thoroughly disinfecting the La Loche detachment, police vehicles and other areas as required.
“We understand people who live in smaller, remote communities are worried about the spread of COVID-19,” the RCMP said in a news release. “We share this concern.”
Over the past six weeks, the Saskatchewan RCMP has been preparing for exactly this type of situation and they have been putting in place measures to ensure officers and employees continue responding to calls.
“We are committed to keeping the public informed. We of course respect our employees' right to privacy and will not be identifying them publicly or providing ongoing health updates.”
The RCMP has also provided an update on its call volumes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From April 17-23, there were 78 calls for service related to COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. Forty-three complaints were for social gatherings of over 10 people; eight complaints were for people failing to self-isolate when allegedly required to do so; and 27 other COVID-19 related complaints were filed.
Additionally, one charge was laid. A reminder that the Public Health Order is still in place and the RCMP continues to work closely with Saskatchewan Health Authorities to investigate any potential violations of the order.
Officers across the province continue to respond to calls for service unrelated to COVID-19 and have also participated in several birthday and community parades with partner agencies, when time permits.
“We know the weather has been nicer in many areas of the province; however, we must all continue do our part, from members of the public to police officers and beyond, to slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes continuing to stay home and refraining from gathering in groups over 10 and maintaining a distance of two metres or more.”
