Prince Albert police say a 30-year-old man died earlier this month a few days after being taken into custody.

The man was originally arrested on Dec. 1 for a violation of section 45.1 of the Saskatchewan Public Health Act.

This section has recently been used by authorities to detain individuals infected with COVID-19 who are not following rules of self-isolation as set out by the province’s chief medical health officer.

A press release says he was detained in cells overnight and taken to Victoria Hospital next morning for assessment and treatment.

He died four days later on Dec. 5 in hospital and an autopsy was performed on Dec.9.

The criminal investigation division is investigating.

Because the incident is being investigated as an in-custody death, the ministry of corrections, policing and public safety has been asked to appoint an independent observer.