One non-resident worker with confirmed COVID-19 at Ekati Diamond Mine

News Type: 
Past COVID-19 Advisories

YELLOWKNIFE APRIL 30, 2021 – The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has confirmed one individual diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Ekati Diamond Mine.

The investigation and contact tracing does not identify any risk to the public.

Assessment by the OCPHO is that the individual did not acquire infection from the mine site. All screening measures to try and prevent introduction of COVID-19 infections were in place.

The individual and approximately 25 other people identified as contacts are currently self-isolating at the mine site.

The OCPHO is working closely with the Ekati mine to gather information, ensure measures that mitigate risk of transmission are in place, and, monitor the situation.

The individual will not be reported in the territory’s COVID-19 statistics. The individual is not an NWT resident.

The Public Health Agency of Canada requires that attribution of COVID-19 infections to a province or territory depend on individual’s place-of-residence.

As of April 30, 2021 at 4:15 p.m., the GNWT COVID-19 dashboard shows: 

  • Total Active Cases in the NWT: 9
  • Confirmed Cases (total to date): 57
  • Recovered: 51
  • Vaccine Given (Dose 1): 25,857
  • Vaccine Given (Dose 2): 20,943

Reminder

Non-essential travel outside the territory is not recommended right now. There are currently significant outbreaks in many areas where NWT residents would normally travel – including areas near the NWT border. In these areas, the risk of contracting COVID-19 is considered to be very high. See COVID-19 Hotspots in Nearby Canadian Regions

Attribution

All commentary is to be attributed to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.

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