One linked to Gahcho Kué Winter Road Site. One linked to out-of-territory travel.
YELLOWKNIFE February 1, 2021 – Two new COVID-19 cases have been identified in the Northwest Territories.
One is a known contact of the outbreak at Gahcho Kué Winter Road Site.
One is in Fort Liard related to out-of-territory travel. The case is not related to the resolved cluster in the community.
Both individuals are isolating and doing well.
Fort Liard
Investigation
Limited contacts have been identified by public health. The individual has been self-isolating appropriately since their return.
Actions taken
The individual and all contacts have been provided isolation advice. Follow-up will continue from public health.
Public risk
The investigation does not identify any community exposures, and the risk for further transmission in the community from this new infection is low.
Gahcho Kué Winter Road Site
Investigation
Routine follow-up testing uncovered this diagnosis. No additional action was required.
This is the third case of COVID-19 associated with the outbreak at the winter road camp, which is operated by a contractor hired to build the winter road.
The camp is located more than 40 km away from Gahcho Kué mine. There has been no contact between workers at the winter road camp and the mine site.
Public and worksite risk
The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer does not identify any risk to any community from this workplace outbreak. All workers are either isolating offsite, or working independently to maintain site safety until a new crew arrives.
The remote winter road camp is undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization before the new crew travels to the site.
If you’re travelling: plan ahead, be aware
While non-essential travel outside the territory is not recommended right now, if you travel, awareness is key.
There are currently significant outbreaks in many areas where NWT residents would routinely travel in different times.
Knowing the COVID-19 situation in your destination before you travel will allow you to make informed decisions about your health and safety.
There is information online for each province and territory showing where the highest areas of COVID-19 incidence are.
Links to information from two areas of frequent routine travel are included in our relevant links for reference.
You can find other data on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.
Attribution
All commentary is attributable to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.