The Saskatchewan Health Authority is asking Lloydminster resident to continue taking COVID-19 precautions as the organization continues contact tracing a recent positive test case.

In a release sent to media, the health authority says they know most cases are no longer travel related and local person-to-person spread is taking place in Lloydminster and other communities. Contact tracing is the process of calling people who may have come into contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

The SHA says the Lloydminster area is not immune and everyone needs to practice physical distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19. They remind residents to avoid close contact with others outside of their household and stay at least two metres, six feet, away from other people.

The reason to avoid close distances is because the virus is spread through droplets made when a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes. The droplets can live on surfaces from a few hours to several days. They say it is the best way to reduce the rate of infection.

The SHA says going outside to get some exercise is okay as long as you are not sick or show any symptoms of the virus. They recommend staying two metres from person to person while outside as well.

The SHA reminds everyone to wash their hands often and for a minimum of 20 seconds, practice physical distancing and self-isolating.

“Together we can make a positive difference in our community by reducing the spread.”