YELLOWKNIFE - JUNE 15, 2021 – The NWT Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has temporarily suspended the Yukon travel exemption due to the ongoing outbreak situation in Yukon Territory.
Anyone travelling from Yukon to NWT, including NWT residents, essential workers or those approved to visit NWT, will require self-isolation and testing in accordance with NWT travel and self-isolation requirements.
NWT residents still planning travel to Yukon will be required to self-isolate upon return. Fully vaccinated individuals and household members are eligible for shortened self-isolation but are still required to complete a 14-day self-isolation plan.
The OCPHO is currently reaching out to those who have recently returned to the NWT from Yukon with individualized advice.
The COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly in Yukon Territory with more cases, exposure sites, and communities affected. Please see Yukon Government’s current COVID-19 situation for timely updates. Today, Yukon Government reported that a Whitehorse resident has died due to COVID-19 and that all cases are considered to be the Gamma variant of concern (P.1, first detected in Brazil in November 2020). The NWT’s CPHO is monitoring the situation and will resume the exemption process when safe to do so.
NWT Support
The NWT’s OCPHO continues to collaborate closely with our Nunavut and Yukon partners. Together, we’ve worked diligently to prevent serious outcomes from COVID-19 and minimize harms for northerners during this pandemic. Our thoughts are with Yukon as they manage this current COVID-19 situation.
Vaccination and public health measures
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Vaccines prevent COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. In addition to getting vaccinated, following public health guidance remains an important way protect yourself and others from COVID-19
- Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, especially household members of someone who was/is isolating in Yellowknife, should arrange testing for COVID-19 and follow isolation guidance.
- Follow self-isolation guidance as required.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Wear a non-medical mask in public places.
- Wash hands frequently
- Physically distance at 2 metres when possible
- Practice healthy respiratory hygiene
Public risk
There is no public health risk in the NWT associated with this update.
Attribution
All commentary is attributable to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.