Liquor stores in La Loche ordered to close

The government-run liquor store in La Loche is being closed for two weeks in an attempt to try and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

The community in the far north is battling an outbreak with case numbers rising daily. There have been 129 confirmed cases, with 111 of them active as of Saturday.

The La Loche council passed a resolution on Thursday that alcohol sales be closed and the provincial government agreed.

There have been concerns that young people and those struggling with addiction have still been socializing and not following public health guidelines to physically distance and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.

In a Facebook post, the medical health officer for the region, Dr. Rim Zayed, wrote that the issue is having an impact on limiting the spread of the virus.

“The reason why we have a lot of spread is: People drinking together, sharing smokes, driving together. It is mostly young people who know they have low risk factors, but it is very harmful to others who are vulnerable,” she wrote. “Some are getting admitted to hospitals and are away from their families for a long time.

“I hope this is a message that you will think about. It is a community collaboration. We are here with you. We want to break this cycle of infection. I want also to let you know that we are working on getting an alcohol support program rolled out. We will be going door to door to check symptoms and testing. Also working with the community to help people with isolation.”

Zayed went on to write that no one is being denied testing with mobile units in the community. But self-isolation is the key.

At a news conference Friday, Premier Scott Moe addressed the issue and spoke directly to people in La Loche breaking the public health guidelines.

“I would ask them to stop. I would ask them to take their personal responsibility to physical distance from their friends very seriously,” Moe said. “Not only to keep themselves safe but you have many elders in the community of La Loche that are very special to you. They may be part of your family, they may be part of someone else’s family.”

Moe also pointed out the vast majority of COVID-19 deaths in the country have happened in long-term care homes.

“When it comes to the seriousness of how this disease operates, it is discriminate,” he said. “It does affect our elderly. It does affect our elders in our communities and it does affect the elders that we love, in our family.”

For those who would be at risk of harm because of alcohol withdrawal, the province said there will be more support for addictions programs.