YELLOWKNIFE January 15, 2021 – A positive COVID-19 diagnosis has been made in Yellowknife with no known source and no travel history.
The individual sought testing when they developed symptoms.
They are doing well and isolating appropriately.
Actions being taken
Public health provided isolation advice to the individual.
A rigorous investigation is ongoing to determine the source of infection. The COVID-19 rapid response team is being deployed.
The team will complete what is called reverse contact-tracing, which includes reviewing potential exposures in the 14 days before symptoms started. Public health will recommend targeted testing of further individuals to attempt to find the source.
What You Need to Do
Now, more than ever, it is crucial that if you feel even a little bit sick that you stay home, avoid any contact with others, and arrange for COVID-19 testing.
Getting tested is easier and faster than ever – with most results back in less than two days. Learn how to get tested here.
Further, with an unknown infection source, practicing the healthy habits we know work to stop COVID in its tracks is more important than ever.
- Prioritize physical distance of at least six feet
- Wear your mask when you’re in public
- Stay home even if you’re a little bit sick
- Get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of illness
- Keep crowds small and spaces large
- Wash your hands frequently
- Self-isolate whenever required
- Keep your coughs and sneezes to yourself
For Travellers
Many have returned from travel outside the territory in the last week from areas experiencing high COVID activity. The likelihood of contracting COVID-19 in other jurisdictions is higher than it has ever been.
With this information in-mind, and a safe, effective vaccine around the corner, we need to redouble our commitment to sticking with our self-isolation plans when we return.
That means:
- Stay at your place of self-isolation alone, or with your household – even if members of your household did not travel.
- Call your local health centre or public health unit and arrange for testing if you have any symptoms at all
- Do not go to public places, recreation facilities, or anywhere you could come within six feet of anyone you’re not self-isolating with.
- Do not have any in-person visitors indoors or outdoors
- Do go for a walk for fresh air by yourself or with those you’re self-isolating with
- Do connect virtually with those you care about
Confidential and supportive
If you have a COVID-19 infection, public health officials will work with you to confidentially investigate any people you saw recently who may be at-risk, and any locations where there may have been an exposure.
Your information will be kept confidential and public health officials will follow-up on your well-being regularly throughout your isolation period to help keep you safe.
Our biggest focus is finding the source of infection. Coming forward to get tested for COVID-19 and help in the investigation into the source. It is the best way you can help your community.
Public risk
Without knowing the source of infection, it is difficult to fully-characterize public risk.
What this means is that there is reason for residents and travellers in Yellowknife to remain vigilant.
But there is no reason to be frightened – we know what works to stop transmission, and public health is working hard to find the source.
As we learn more, we will update the public at the earliest opportunity.
Nature of transmission
What we know is that this is a locally acquired case with no known connection to travel.
With additional information from the rapid response team’s investigation, public health will be able to better characterize the nature of transmission.
Attribution
All commentary is attributable to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.