YELLOWKNIFE (May 29, 2021) – The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has confirmed that one Individual has been diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Ekati Diamond Mine.
The individual is not an NWT resident. The individual is currently isolating and doing well. Others identified as contacts are currently self-isolating at a secure location onsite.
The assessment by OCPHO is that the COVID-19 infection was not acquired from the mine site. All screening measures to try and prevent introduction of COVID-19 infections were in place.
COVID-19 cases (NWT)
Current Active |
Location (Region) |
Confirmed/Probable |
Related Exposure Risks |
NWT Resident |
---|---|---|---|---|
2 |
Yellowknife |
Confirmed |
Yes |
Yes |
1
|
Ekati Diamond Mine |
Confirmed |
No |
No |
1 |
Ekati Diamond Mine |
Confirmed |
No |
No |
Further Details: The new case confirmed today is highlighted. As this individual is not an NWT resident the infection will not be included in the territory’s COVID-19 case numbers. |
||||
Hospitalizations |
||||
0 |
Public Risk
There is no identified risk to NWT communities related to this infection at this time. Monitoring and investigation will continue per public health communicable disease protocols to mitigate any transmission risk.
Recommendations
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. Andy Delli Pizzi, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.
Relevant Links
- NWT COVID-19 Dashboard
- GNWT COVID-19 Website
- Health and Social Services Public Health Advisories
- COVID-19 Vaccine
Media Contact
Dawn Ostrem
Manager, COVID Communications Operations
Health and Social Services
COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat
Dawn_Ostrem@gov.nt.ca