The Saskatchewan government is confirming a fifth death in the province due to COVID-19.

A man in his 80’s from the Far North region has died from complications related to the virus.  That man is said to have been a resident of a long-term care home in La Loche.

The government says 29 of the 42 active cases in the Far North are in La Loche and are connected to an outbreak at an oilsands camp in northern Alberta.

Saskatchewan residents are reminded that there is a Public Health Order restricting all non-essential travel into and out of northern Saskatchewan, specifically the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab has also strongly recommended against non-essential travel between communities within northern Saskatchewan.

The latest numbers from the government on COVID19 show 12 new cases with 11 of the 12 coming from the Far North.   That brings the total to 365 with the amount of recoveries remaining at 288. 72 cases are considered active and seven people are in hospital with two of those seven in intensive care.