Case Counts as of 12:00 pm

YELLOWKNIFE August 26, 2021 – Earlier today the Office of Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) is announcing 18 new cases of COVID-19 in the NWT since August 25th. The total number of recent cases has increased to 265. There are 262 active cases among residents in the territory, one death and two out of territory cases.

Community Breakdown

Cumulative Hospitalizations to date are still less than 10.

Check the NWT COVID-19 Dashboard for further details about percentage of unvaccinated cases and Variant of Concern updates.

https://nwt-covid.shinyapps.io/Testing-and-Cases/?lang=1

New Public Health Exposure Locations for Aug. 26, 2021

For a full list of all CURRENT public exposure notifications: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/services/public-exposure-notifications

Public Health Orders

https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/current-public-health-orders

NWT Wide Order

A NWT wide masking order went into effect at 8:00AM today that applies to all indoor public spaces. 

The delta variant is spreading quickly across the NWT and is putting NWT at risk. Masking is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Hundreds of contagious droplets can be generated by just speaking to someone, but nearly all of them are blocked when wearing a mask. When masking is common practice in communities, studies show that COVID-19 cases are significantly reduced. Masking is most important in crowded settings where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

Norman Wells

A local containment order has been issued for Norman Wells effective August 25th at 8:00AM. This order will remain in place for 10 days.

For additional information please review the PHO here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/sites/covid/files/resources/2021-08-25_norman_wells_containment_order_0.pdf.

Fort Good Hope/Colville Lake

Local containment orders were extended in Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake to September 4, 2021. 

Self-Isolation instructions for residents: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/residents-fort-good-hope-and-colville-lake-who-are-currently-those-communities

Health Service Updates

Current Service Level Update: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/public-notice-service-level-updates-sahtu-dehcho-and-yellowknife-regions

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.

Assisting northerners manage their mental health is important as we continue to respond the COVID-19 pandemic. If you wish to speak with someone the NWT Community Counselling Program provides on-the-ground access to mental health services in all of the regions. For more information or to contact the counselor in your community please visit our website: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/nwt-community-counselling-program-ccp.

Residents who unable to access support with non-healthcare related needs throughout their self-isolation period can reach out to their community government for assistance.
Regional EMOs are working with community governments to address needs as they arise.

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

Richard Makohoniuk
Manager, COVID Communications
COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
richard_makohoniuk@gov.nt.ca