YELLOWKNIFE August 18, 2021 – The Office of Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) is announcing 52 new cases of COVID-19 in the NWT today for a total of 129 active cases in the territory. Check the NWT COVID-19 Dashboard for further details.
https://nwt-covid.shinyapps.io/Testing-and-Cases/?lang=1
Today, the dashboard has been updated to include the percentage of unvaccinated cases since January 1, 2021, including those related to the current cluster.
There are less than 5 hospitalizations.
Variants of concern have also been updated on the dashboard. The first cases related to this outbreak have been confirmed as the Delta variant.
New Public Health Exposure Locations for Aug. 18, 2021
For a full list of all CURRENT public exposure notifications: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/services/public-exposure-notifications
Norman Wells
|
Exposure Location |
Date(s)/Time range(s) |
Required Action(s) |
|
Norman Wells Legion |
August 13 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. |
High Exposure Setting All individuals must isolate 10 days and arrange testing (NEW Guidance) |
|
Norman Wells Legion |
August 14 7:00 pm- 2:00 am |
High Exposure Setting All individuals must isolate 10 days and arrange testing (NEW Guidance) |
|
Norman Wells Mud Bog Event |
August 14 |
Fully vaccinated: self monitor unvaccinated/partially vaccinated isolate 10 days arrange for testing (NEW GUIDANCE) |
Deline
|
Location |
Date(s)/Time range(s) |
Required Action(s) |
|
Whiskey Jack Camp Lunch |
August 11 |
Fully vaccinated Self monitor, unvaccinated/partially vaccinated isolate 10 days arrange for testing |
Containment Order (Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake)
The OCPHO has issued a local containment order for Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake. The Public Health Order is pursuant to s.29 of the Public Health Act and mandates containment measures for 10 days to prevent further COVID-19 transmission. See Public Health Orders: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/current-public-health-orders
Effective immediately, and continuing for 10 days starting today, the following measures are in effect for anyone who was in Fort Good Hope or Colville Lake between August 5, 2021 to August 15, 2021:
|
Not fully vaccinated
|
Fully vaccinated residents (received final dose of vaccine previous to July 22, 2021) |
|
Isolate for ten days starting today |
Self-monitor for ten days starting today |
|
Contact health centre to arrange testing. |
At the first sign of becoming symptomatic, contact health centre to arrange testing. |
|
Please note: this also applies to anyone who attended the handgames event between Aug. 5-9 in Fort Good Hope, but resides in another community and is not fully vaccinated. |
Please note: this also applies to anyone who attended the handgames event between Aug. 5-9 in Fort Good Hope, but resides in another community who is fully vaccinated. |
Norman Wells Recommendations
Earlier today the CPHO declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the Sahtú Dene Nechá Kǫ́ Long Term Care Facility in Norman Wells. The Chief Public Health Officer is recommending that residents of Norman Wells keep to a limited friendship circle, and to avoid indoor gatherings at this time.
When people gather it can spread the virus. By limiting your social circle to those within your household and five close friends, it can help decrease your number of interactions and reduce the risk of transmission in the community.
Consider working from home if possible, getting takeout or picnicking rather than dining indoors, wear a mask when not with household members or in indoor spaces and connecting with friends or loved ones over the phone or virtually.
If at any time you or someone in your circle is sick stay home and seek testing.
What residents need to do
The most important things all NWT residents can do right now is:
- Isolate if you are required after travel or otherwise advised: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/self-isolation-requirements-0
- Be especially vigilant in sticking to the healthy habits we know work to stop COVID-19: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/services/healthy-habits
- Get testing at the first sign of symptoms: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/covid-testing
Supports in community
These measures are not easy.
The GNWT is working with all communities affected to support emergency response needs in the event residents need support during this time.
Regular updates on the situation and about community supports will be provided in North Slavey and English on CKLB radio.
Residents can also continue to access mental health and addictions support they regularly access. They should contact their care provider to discuss how accessing those services may change to protect against COVID-19 transmission.
Attribution
All commentary is attributable to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.
Relevant links
- NWT COVID-19 Dashboard
- Travel Hotspots
- Delta Variant FAQs
- GWNT COVID-19 website
- Vaccination Bookings
Media Contact
Dawn Ostrem
Manager, COVID Communications
COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories