NORTHWEST TERRITORIES - (July 17, 2023) - The Chief Environmental Health Officer is issuing Public Health Advisory for multiple communities due to bad air quality.

Due to wildfire smoke, multiple regions of the Northwest Territories are experiencing increased levels of fine particles in the air, known as PM2.5. The elevated levels of fine particles indicate adverse air quality in affected communities, and the situation poses a risk to the health of the community members.

We recently installed two advanced laser air quality monitors in Sambaa K’e called PurpleAir. Today, these monitors detected high levels of fine particles in the air, known as PM2.5, measuring over 150 micrograms per cubic meter. These elevated levels of fine particles mean that the air quality in Sambaa K'e is currently unhealthy due to smoke from wildfires. This situation poses a health risk to the community members. Therefore, the Chief Public Health Officer is issuing a Public Health Advisory for Sambaa K’e.

To check the current air quality levels for Sambaa K’e, see:

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES - (May 9, 2023) – The detection of bromazolam in Hay River has prompted the Chief Public Health Officer to issue a public health advisory warning the public about the dangers associated with the illegal drug supply.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES - (April 13, 2023) – The detection of flubromazepam in suspected fentanyl in Fort Simpson has prompted the Chief Public Health Officer to issue a public health advisory regarding the dangers associated with the illegal drug supply.

TUKTOYAKTUK (March 28, 2023) – The Chief Public Health Officer has rescinded the varicella (chicken pox) outbreak declared on February 9, 2023. At this time no new cases have been identified and more than two full incubation periods (42 days) have occurred without additional cases.

Chicken pox is a vaccine preventable disease. Getting your chicken pox vaccines can protect you from developing disease if you are exposed. You can ensure your immunizations are up to date by calling the Tuktoyaktuk Health Center at 1-867-977-2321.