A second long-term care resident in La Loche has died of COVID-19 this week.
Health officials said Wednesday the deceased was a person in their 80’s.
On Sunday 83-year-old Joseph Sylvestre died from the virus.
Dr. Rim Zayad, a medical health officer said one other resident at that facility has tested positive, but is in isolation, stable and recovering.
Zayed said all other residents have tested negative.
Between 50 to 100 more health care professionals are expected in La Loche this weekend to begin surge testing and aggressive contact tracing.
Premier Moe said testing will include door-to-door, mobile, drive-thru and residents and staff at the long-term care facility.
Moe said the two schools in La Loche are being prepared for 65 isolation units. Currently, 12 people are occupying those beds.
The additional health care staff will be assessing homes while going door-to-door to determine if residents can safely self-isolate, and if need be transfer people to other isolation units.
These units will be available to people who may be symptomatic or want to prevent them from getting the virus.
The La Loche area reported 11 new cases Wednesday, totalling 49 active cases. 38 cases are in La Loche and 11 in surrounding communities.
Moe said the federal government today shipped 25,000 masks and 25,000 pairs of gloves to La Loche as an increase in personal protective equipment.
The province has reported a small outbreak in Lloydminster as there have been 13 additional cases of COVID-19 at the local hospital, including patients and staff.
Moe said that the re-opening plan will not include the communities of La Loche and Lloydminster as they are dealing with outbreaks.
Phase one of the re-opening plan takes effect Monday, as certain businesses can operate under strict guidelines.