Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Last modified: 
Mon, 04/27/2020 - 17:33

Current situation in NWT     Current situation in Canada    Information on COVID-19

Latest News     GNWT Updates     Awareness Resources       

If you arrived in the NWT within the past 14 days you must self-isolate and complete the approved self-isolation plan.

 

Current situation in NWT

As of April 27 at 9:00 AM:

  • Confirmed Cases: 5
  • Completed Tests: 1683
  • Negative Tests: 1678
  • Tests Pending: 25
  • Recovered Cases: 5

Current situation in Canada

 

View Larger Map

Welcome to your information hub where you will find the most up to date, evidence based and accurate information, updated daily.

To improve your experience as a visitor, here is the navigation map:

  • Welcome page: lists the number of cases, and daily updates
  • Current situation in Canada: lists cases in Canada.
  • Information on COVID-19: lists information based on your unique situation and self-isolation plans.
  • Latest updates: lists all public updates divided by agency.
  • Resources: lists audio in all NWT official languages, brochures and fact sheets, videos, GNWT links and other links.

The number of cases of COVID-19 in Canada is growing. Because of this, the Public Health Agency of Canada considers the risk to Canadians to be high. 

To help residents stay healthy and stop the spread of COVID-19, the government of Canada and the Chief Public Health Officer of the NWT have taken the following actions in response to this great risk:

Public Health Order

To help residents stay healthy and stop the spread of COVID-19 the NWT is following Canada’s Quarantine Act.  Orders issued by the Chief Public Health Officer can be legally enforced and fines issued for violations.

April 27, 2020

The NWT Chief Public Health Officer has introduced amendments to the March 21st Public Health Order, which adds new requirements for NWT residents, non-residents, and several categories of workers coming into the Northwest Territories.  These new measures cover practices like social distancing after entering the territory, symptom declarations, and other accountability and tracking measures to enhance COVID-19 protection and response in the NWT.

April 10, 2020

The Chief Public Health Officer issued two new public health orders that bans all indoor gatherings, restricts outdoor gatherings, closure of certain businesses and provides measures that mining and oil and gas industries must take to protect public health.

April 7, 2020

The NWT Chief Public Health Officer recommended the use of reusable or disposable cloth face coverings when in public places. This recommendation does not replace the need for social distancing or the need to wash your hands often. 

For more information, visit the FAQ of cloth facial coverings.  

March 25, 2020

The Government of Canada has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act mandating all international travellers entering Canada to either isolate or quarantine, based on whether or not you have symptoms. This isolation or quarantine will be for a minimum of 14 days. Mandatory Isolation and self-isolation must be in a place where you will have no contact with a vulnerable person and you will need to confirm that you have the appropriate resources, such as food and medications.

Additionally, under the Quarantine Act, all international travelers entering Canada are mandated to wear a mask or facial covering upon entering Canada and during any onward travel throughout Canada, regardless of whether you have symptoms or not. 

The purpose of this order is to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Canada and the NWT. It is a federal offense if you do not comply with this order. There is additional guidance for travellers within Canada. This information is changing frequently please see the Health Canada website for travellers for updated information. 

If you have questions, about what is required of you as an international traveler under the federal Quarantine Act, call the Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-833-784-4397 or visit canada.ca/coronavirus.

For international travellers travelling into the NWT: 

If you have symptoms of COVID-19:

  • You must complete 14 days of mandatory isolation;
  • Should you arrive in the NWT without isolating at a port of entry, under the federal Quarantine Act, you must go directly to the place of mandatory isolation identified in your self-isolation plan and stay inside for 14 days upon entry into Canada;
  • Stay inside your home. This means no time outdoors, not even on your own property;
  • Do not leave your place of isolation unless you need to see a health care provider;
  • Continue to monitor your health for symptoms.

If your condition worsens, contact a health care provider or call 9-1-1 if your symptoms are severe or if you are having difficulty breathing.

If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you will need to complete a mandatory self-isolation:

  • Upon entering into the NWT, you must complete a self-isolation plan. Go directly to your place of mandatory self-isolation identified in your self-isolation plan and stay there for 14 days upon entry into Canada;
  • Stay in a private place like your yard or balcony if you go outside for fresh air; 
  • Monitor your health for symptoms.

If develop symptoms, contact a health care provider or call 9-1-1 if your symptoms are severe or if you are having difficulty breathing.

If you are exposed to another person with COVID 19  who is also under mandatory self-isolation during your mandatory self-isolation period, you are required to complete another 14 days of mandatory self-isolation from the last exposure.

March 22, 2020

The Chief Public Health Officer advised that all gatherings, regardless of size, number of participants and whether held indoors or outdoors, be cancelled.

For further details on advisories, orders, updates and announcements, please scroll down.

March 21, 2020

The Chief Public Health Officer banned all travel into the territory with limited exceptions. 

Anyone who enters the NWT after March 7, 2020 must immediately go into 14 days of self-isolation in the communities of Yellowknife, Hay River, Inuvik or Fort Smith before moving on to the home or work community. They must complete a self-isolation plan. Residents can contact protectnwt@gov.nt.ca or call 1-833-378-8297 between the hours of 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week for more information.

The requirement to isolate in a regional centre is an effort to protect the residents of small remote communities. This will help us avoid overwhelming the health centres in these communities, and will make sure that people who may have been in contact with COVID-19 while travelling outside of the NWT are close to well-equipped hospital care in case they get sick.

March 18, 2020

A Public Health Emergency was declared in the Northwest Territories by the Minister of Health and Social Services. This lets the Chief Public Health Officer take strong actions to protect all NWT residents and quickly respond to the needs of the healthcare system as it responds to the pandemic.

     

     

    Information on COVID-19

     

    Latest Updates

    Health Advisories

    Health and Social Services Authority Updates

    Public Service Announcements

    News Releases and Speeches

     

    GNWT Updates

    Other Links