Safely isolating at worksite. No risk to public health identified.
YELLOWKNIFE February 1, 2021 – An out-of-territory worker has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Gahcho Kué Mine (GK), approximately 280 km northeast of Yellowknife.
The individual is self-isolating at a secure quarantine facility onsite and is doing well.
This case is unrelated to the COVID-19 outbreak declared at the Gahcho Kué winter road satellite worksite last Friday.
Investigation
An individual was assessed by Gahcho Kué diamond mine medical staff and tested positive. This result was confirmed by a PCR test at Stanton Territorial Hospital. The affected employee is now safely self-isolating at the mine site.
The individual was not infectious during travel into the NWT.
Approximately 12 employees identified as contacts in the workplace are also self-isolating.
Medical staff are continuing to assess and test all worksite employees per standard COVID safety protocols.
Actions taken
Public Health officials are working with the company to ensure the individual with COVID-19 and contacts continue to safely isolate onsite.
The company will continue to work with Public Health officials to mitigate transmission risk to remaining mine workers.
Routine monitoring and follow-up will continue with all known cases and contacts.
This case is not associated with last week’s COVID outbreak at the Gahcho Kué winter road satellite worksite, where two positive infections have been identified. The Gahcho Kué diamond mine is located 40 km from the company’s winter road camp. Crews do not travel between the two sites.
Public risk
There is no identified risk to NWT communities related to the case at the Gahcho Kué mine.
Monitoring and investigation will continue per Public Health communicable disease protocols to mitigate any transmission risk.
Attribution
All commentary is to be attributed to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.