GNT: Daily Update – August 19, 2021 – as of 2:00 pm
Press Release
YELLOWKNIFE August 19, 2021 – The Office of Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) is announcing 40 new cases of COVID-19 in the NWT today for a total of 169 active cases among residents in the territory and one out of territory case for a total of 170 active cases.
Community Breakdown
| Region | Community | Total Case Count |
| Sahtu | Fort Good Hope | 78 |
| Colville Lake | 55 | |
| Deline | 7 | |
| Noman Wells | 10 | |
| Beaufort Delta | Inuvik | 1 |
| Yellowknife | Yellowknife | 19 |
| TOTAL | 170 | |
Check the NWT COVID-19 Dashboard for further details about percentage of unvaccinated cases and Variant of Concern updates.
https://nwt-covid.shinyapps.io/Testing-and-Cases/?lang=1(link is external)
New Public Health Exposure Locations for Aug. 19, 2021
For a full list of all CURRENT public exposure notifications: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/services/public-exposure-notifications
Deline
| Exposure Location | Date(s)/Time range(s) | Required Action(s) |
| Deline Hand Games Event- Community Culture Centre | August 14 | High exposure setting. All individuals must self-isolate 10 days and arrange testing (NEW Guidance). |
| Spiritual Gathering – Community Culture Event | August 13–15 | High exposure setting. All individuals must self-isolate 10 days and arrange testing (NEW Guidance). |
| Community Feast (Fish Camp) Lunch | August 13-15 | High exposure setting. All individuals must self-isolate 10 days and arrange testing (NEW Guidance). |
| Community Breakfasts | August 13-15 | High exposure setting. All individuals must self-isolate 10 days and arrange testing. |
Yellowknife
| Location | Date(s)/Time range(s) | Required Action(s) |
| The Black Knight |
|
Partially/unvaccinated: Self isolate for 10 days from exposure and get tested. Fully vaccinated: Self monitor. Wear a mask in all public places. If symptoms develop, immediately self isolate and arrange testing.
(NEW Guidance). |
| Harleys Hardrock Saloon | August 13 12:30 a.m. – close | Fully vaccinated: self monitor, Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated: self-isolate 10 days arrange for testing |
Inuvik
| Location | Date(s)/Time range(s) | Required Action(s) |
| Inuvik Trapper Bar | August 15: 6 p.m. – close | Partially/unvaccinated: Self isolate for 10 days from exposure and get tested.
Fully vaccinated: Self monitor. Wear a mask in all public places. If symptoms develop, immediately isolate and arrange testing. |
| Inuvik Legion | August 14: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Partially/unvaccinated: Self isolate for 10 days from exposure and get tested.
Fully vaccinated: Self monitor. Wear a mask in all public places. If symptoms develop, immediately self-isolate and arrange testing. |
Fort Good Hope/Colville Lake
The OCPHO has issued a local containment order for Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake. The Public Health Order is pursuant to s.25 of the Public Health Act and mandates containment measures for 10 days to prevent further COVID-19 transmission.
Self-Isolation instructions for residents:
Public Health Orders:
https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/current-public-health-orders
Norman Wells
Yesterday the CPHO declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the Sahtú Dene Nechá Kǫ́ Long Term Care Facility in Norman Wells. The Chief Public Health Officer is recommending that residents of Norman Wells keep to a limited friendship circle, and to avoid indoor gatherings at this time.
When people gather it can spread the virus. By limiting your social circle to those within your household and five close friends, it can help decrease your number of interactions and reduce the risk of transmission in the community.
Consider working from home if possible, getting takeout or picnicking rather than dining indoors, wear a mask when not with household members or in indoor spaces and connecting with friends or loved ones over the phone or virtually.
If at any time you or someone in your circle is sick stay home and seek testing.
All NWT residents
The most important things all NWT residents can do right now are:
- Self-Isolate if you are required after travel or otherwise advised: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/self-isolation-requirements-0
- Be especially vigilant in sticking to the healthy habits we know work to stop COVID-19: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/services/healthy-habits
- Get testing at the first sign of symptoms: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/covid-testing(link is external)
There have been recent updates to testing eligibility. Please see: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/public-notice-reminder-eligibility-covid-19-testing(link is external)
Supports in community
These measures are not easy.
The GNWT is working with all communities affected to support emergency response needs in the event residents need support during this time.
Regular updates on the situation and about community supports will be provided in North Slavey and English on CKLB radio.
Residents can also continue to access mental health and addictions support they regularly access. They should contact their care provider to discuss how accessing those services may change to protect against COVID-19 transmission.
Residents who unable to access support with non-healthcare related needs throughout their self-isolation period can reach out to their community government for assistance. Regional Emergency Measures Organizations are working with community governments to address needs as they arise.
The Municipal and Community Affairs Sahtu Regional Office is temporarily closed, staff are working remotely and reachable by email.
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)
- Travel Hotspots
- Delta Variant FAQs
- GWNT COVID-19 website
- Vaccination Bookings(link is external)
Media Contact
Dawn Ostrem
Manager, COVID Communications
COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
dawn_ostrem@gov.nt.ca(link sends e-mail)
IHT4
