The Saskatchewan Health Authority says that while it is natural to be concerned about COVID-19, it’s not helpful to stigmatize those who are getting tested or who test positive.
Last week, a COVID-19 outbreak was declared on 2 Hutterite communities in the Maple Creek area and additional cases are being investigated related to local and interprovincial travel.
In a joint news release from the SHA and the Hutterian Safety Council, the Council acknowledges there have been challenges getting some Hutterite communities to implement safety protocols, because they feel their communities are isolated and therefore safe.
The Safety Council stress though, that most communities adapted to the safety measures.

Once the outbreak was declared, there was a misunderstanding that positive test results could lead to an economic shutdown of their communities, so the SHA experienced some resistance.
The vast majority were on side, but after communications with those that resisted, the Council says fears have been assuaged.
Communities that were lax in implementing the safety measures are now participating.