Behchokǫ̀ temporary restrictions updated

Press Release

YELLOWKNIFE, Oct. 4, 2021 – The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is extending the Behchokǫ̀ Temporary COVID-19 Restrictions Public Health Order (PHO) and introducing travel enforcement measures.

The amended order goes into effect at 5:00 pm October 4, 2021 (today) and is being extended until Oct. 18, 2021 at 11:59pm.

The order now allows for further enforcement actions that restricts travel in and out of the community without proof of vaccination. If travellers do not have proof of vaccination, proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken on the day of travel is required. This proof can be shown with an assessment card given to the traveller after undergoing a rapid test at a health centre. It is valid for 72-hours, unless you become symptomatic or your COVID-19 risk has changed.

For those travellers that have no proof of vaccination but have already had COVID-19 and recovered within the prior 180 days, an exemption letter from OCPHO is required.

Enforcement of these restrictions is being provided by the Community of Behchokǫ̀ security with support from the COVID Secretariat’s Compliance and Enforcement operations.

Persons may direct inquiries about public health orders to ProtectNWT at [email protected](link sends e-mail) or 1-833-378-8297. Copies of all the current Public Health Orders can be found on our website.

Behchokǫ̀ Traveller Requirements

Resident Profile	Documentation	Instructions
Resident with no known exposure to COVID-19 and fully vaccinated	Proof of immunization	If you received your vaccine in the NWT you will be asked to consent to this being verified.
		If you received your vaccine outside the NWT you will need to provide proof of vaccination.
Resident with no known exposure to COVID-19 who is not fully vaccinated	Assessment card proving negative COVID-19 test (valid for 72 hours).	Call ahead to the health centre to arrange for a COVID-19 test for travel. Based on testing capacity there may be a delay in receiving this so plan ahead.
Resident who has been positive for COVID-19 prior to the last 180 days and recovered.	Letter from CPHO	If positive in the NWT we will require consent to this being verified.
		If positive outside the NWT you will need to send your positive lab result to [email protected](link sends e-mail) If you require further assistance Call or email ProtectNWT.
Residents travelling for medical appointments.	Note from NWT Health Authority	Get this from the Behchokǫ̀ Health Centre, Northwest Territories Health & Social Services Authority or referral provider (health care professional).
Residents outside of Behchokǫ̀ who must return while the order is effect.	Assessment card proving negative COVID-19 test (valid for 72 hours).	Proof of negative test upon entry (or next day, must self-isolate until test can be taken).
		If unable or willing to be tested must self-isolate for 10 days.
Non-residents of Behchokǫ̀ who must return to their homes while the order is in effect.	Assessment card proving negative COVID-19 test (valid for 72 hours).	Proof of negative test upon exit (or next day, must self-isolate until test can be taken)
		If unable or willing to be tested must self-isolate for 10 days.
The following are not permitted to leave isolation nor self-isolation location for the purpose of travelling out of the community boundaries of Behchokǫ̀. Anyone who has COVID-19. Contacts of a person who has COVID-19. Those who live with someone who has COVID-19. Those how have been told to self-isolate or isolate by a healthcare provider. Those with symptoms of COVID-19 who are awaiting assessment.

Exceptions to Additional Testing or Proof of Vaccination

• Residents who require travel due to a medical emergency and those accompanying them.
• Travelling for a medical appointment (see table for requirements) and those accompanying them.
• Essential Workers (see order for list of who qualify)
• Supply chain workers
• Those in transport by a Peace Officer
• People who is symptomatic must have a COVID-19 test regardless of vaccination status.
• Children younger than 2 years old do not require testing.

Attribution

All commentary is attributable to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.

Relevant Links

• NWT COVID-19 Dashboard(link is external)(link is external)
• Travel Hotspots
• Delta Variant FAQs
• GWNT COVID-19 website
• Care in the home for people with COVID-19

Media Contact

Dawn Ostrem
Manager, COVID Communications
COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
[email protected](link sends e-mail)

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