A Saskatoon family physician wanted to find a way to help send supplies to the northern community of La Loche and set an initial goal for $15,000 - but within days the donations total over $26,000.

The SLGA retail store and the private off sale in La Loche are closed for two weeks, the province announced.

"I never really thought it would get this big, but I think it just speaks to how we are all in this together and everyone is just trying to do what they can to help this community that's been hit particularly hard."

The SHA is hoping a novel harm reduction program can help the northern village of La Loche win its battle against COVID-19. 

Those under the age of 40 make up almost 50 per cent of Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 cases, with many cases linked to people drinking together.

Saskatchewan announced nine new COVID-19 cases and five more recoveries on Saturday, bringing its total number of cases to 553 as the province enters week two of its plan to gradually reopen.

As of Friday, the province said there were 13 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 12 of the new cases found in La Loche.

The village of La Loche is calling on the provincial government to force the closure of liquor stores in the community, which is in the throes of a COVID-19 outbreak. 

"This video footage clearly shows why La Loche Saskatchewan won't be opening up so soon," says Rita Briggs.

One of the two grocery stores in La Loche, Sask., has shut temporarily after one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19, according to an executive at the North West Company. 

Officials with the Saskatchewan Health Authority have said people are still gathering and drinking together which has contributed to the spread of the virus.

"Right now it is a concern, but they're taking measures ... we'll be up and running again shortly."

Moe responded to reports that some young people are congregating and spreading COVID-19 in La Loche, the centre of an outbreak that's still driving the overwhelming majority of new cases in Saskatchewan.