YELLOWKNIFE January 27, 2021 – An individual received a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis at a Gahcho Kué satellite winter road work camp.
The individual, an employee of a company contracted by Gahcho Kué, is isolating and doing well. The work camp has a pre-designated quarantine area separate from the accommodations facility.
Investigation
The diagnosis was discovered as a result of routine testing as per protocols of an outbound out-of-territory worker.
It is believed that the individual contracted COVID-19 before they travelled to the territory.
The investigation finds that no one has left or arrived on-site during any possible infectious period.
Actions taken
All contacts are currently isolating.
Public health is working with the company to get all staff on site tested for COVID-19. This is another example of “reverse contact tracing,” which is another safety-check to try to ensure the individual did not acquire the infection while at the worksite.
Public risk
The individuals at the camp have not had contact with any NWT communities. There is no identified risk to NWT communities.
Risk of further transmission on-site is being further assessed through testing.
Attribution
All commentary is attributable to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.
Relevant links
Media Contact
Mike Westwick
Manager, COVID Communications
Health and Social Services
COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat