YELLOWKNIFE – February 14, 2022 – The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is updating isolation requirements for people with COVID-19 and their contacts. The update aligns isolation requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people who have COVID-19, and their contacts. The new isolation Public Health Order goes into effect at 5 pm today.
Close contacts (non-household)
Close contacts (non-household) are people named as contacts who do not share a living space with the person with COVID-19. Close contacts (non-household) are no longer required to isolate but must self-monitor for symptoms, physically distance, and wear a mask wherever possible in all settings for 10 full days from the time they are identified as a contact. The requirements are same for vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. Anyone who develops symptoms must isolate.
- Only health care providers can reduce isolation time. For more information please use the Self-isolation, Isolation and Testing Navigator.
Household contacts and those with COVID-19
Household contacts and people with COVID-19 must isolate for seven full days and wear a mask, wherever possible, in all settings for an additional three days. Both are now required to isolate for the same duration of time. Isolation starts on the date and time that at least one household member tested positive for COVID-19 or becomes symptomatic. If a household member becomes symptomatic they must contact ProtectNWT or a health care provider and must isolate from the time they become symptomatic. The requirements are same for vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals.
- Only health care providers can reduce isolation time. For more information please use the Self-isolation, Isolation and Testing Navigator.
Acceptable risk
The goals of the CPHO are to disrupt transmission in high-risk household settings but minimize societal disruption. The new order intends to enable children to attend school, and others to attend work and other important functions, while still disrupting transmission to those at the high risk.
Anyone in NWT develops symptoms of COVID-19, they should stay home and arrange testing if possible.
Vaccination remains a vital tool in preventing serious outcomes from COVID-19 and remains the most important safety net we have to protect vulnerable populations at higher risk of severe illness and the health care system.
Persons may direct inquiries about public health orders to ProtectNWT at protectNWT@gov.nt.ca or call 8-1-1 (in the Northwest Territories) or 1-833-378-8297. Full details and copies of the order will be available on the GNWT COVID-19 website under the Current Public Health Orders.)
Relevant Links
FAQs – Isolation due to COVID-19
Understanding Isolation
Care in the home for people with COVID-19
Self-isolation, Isolation and Testing Navigator
Setting COVID-19 Safety Nets
Attribution
All commentary is attributable to Dr. Andre Corriveau, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.
Media Contact
Communications, COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
covid_comms@gov.nt.ca