YELLOWKNIFE - MAY 31, 2021 – The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has declared an outbreak at the Ekati Diamond Mine after a third case was confirmed yesterday. The individual who acquired COVID-19 on site was isolating as an identified contact of a previous positive diagnosis announced on May 28.
None of the individuals with confirmed COVID-19 are NWT residents. All are isolating and doing well. Others identified as contacts are continue to self-isolate at a secure location onsite.
All screening measures to prevent introduction of COVID-19 infections were in place. The OCPHO is working with the company to take all necessary precautions. Today, the OCPHO has advised a delay to crew changes to be reassessed in 48 hours in order to minimize risk of workers leaving the site with COVID infection.
One confirmed case at Diavik Diamond Mine
There is one confirmed case at the Diavik Diamond Mine. This individual is also an out-of-territory worker who tested positive upon entry. All contacts are isolating onsite.
Public Risk
There is no identified risk to NWT communities related to any of these infections at this time. Monitoring and investigation will continue per public health communicable disease protocols to mitigate any transmission risk.
NWT COVID-19 cases
|
Current Active |
Location (Region) |
Confirmed/Probable |
Related Exposure Risks |
NWT Resident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Yellowknife |
Confirmed |
Yes |
Yes |
|
3
|
Ekati Diamond Mine |
Confirmed |
No |
No |
|
1
|
Diavik Diamond Mine |
Confirmed |
No |
No |
|
Further Details: Non-NWT residents are not included in the territory’s COVID-19 case numbers. For more information see NWT COVID-19 dashboard. |
||||
|
Hospitalizations |
||||
|
0 |
||||
N.J. Macpherson School Outbreak Update
The OCPHO anticipates that the one active remaining case in Yellowknife that is a result of the N.J. Macpherson School outbreak will have confirmed recovery by tomorrow (June 1). Approximately 10 households are continuing isolation and receiving direct advice and guidance from public health. The OCPHO thanks all community members for undertaking this difficult and challenging work it takes to keep the entire community safe
Recommendations
The OCPHO is lifting its recommendation to avoid non-essential travel in and out of Yellowknife, Dettah and Ndilǫ, and Behchokǫ̀ at this time. The mandatory masking order remains in place for these communities and will continue to be in place until the end of the school year at least. The OCPHO continues to encourage people to practice healthy habits such as physical distancing and wearing masks even if not required. Please remember to practice all healthy habits:
- Keep physical distance of at least two metres (or six feet).
- Wash or sanitize your hands frequently, especially if touching your face.
- Wear a mask when keeping distance is tough.
- Keep crowds small and spaces large.
- Stay home if you’re sick, even if your symptoms are mild.
- Call your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Self-isolate responsibly whenever required.
Attribution
All commentary is attributable to Dr. Kami Kandola, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.