NT Government: Media Statement – Dr. Kami Kandola: Opening Remarks, Weekly Press Briefing, Covid-19

Press Release

Good afternoon.

Just before this press conference, I was informed we have confirmed a second case of COVID-19 in the NWT.

We issued a Public Health Advisory as soon as the patient was notified, and we had enough facts to communicate to the public.

We apologize about the late notice, and we understand this would ideally have been done in person.

In the spirit of transparency and immediacy our residents expect, it was essential we put this out as soon as possible. And there was simply no time to arrange a change in format.

Some details on this second case.

The individual is self-isolated in their home in Inuvik along with members of their household. They are doing well with mild symptoms and it is not expected hospitalization will be required.

Our investigation determines the individual traveled to British Columbia. They returned to Inuvik on March 21 and went into immediate self-isolation consistent with our order.

They developed symptoms five days after their return and showed no symptoms during their flight back.

The entire household has been under mandatory isolation along with them since March 21.

This strict adherence to our orders on isolation is an example all residents in our territory should follow.

We will be continuing our investigation to identify whether there are any further contacts.

Some updates on testing and investigations.

Currently in the Northwest Territories, we have completed 979 tests, with two confirmed cases.

Our contact tracing indicates all tracked contacts of our first confirmed case have tested negative.

This is good news, and a reminder of what a difference social distancing can make.

These are measures we must maintain for the foreseeable future.

To that end, I have recommended to the Minister, and she has signed an order, extending the Public Health Emergency for a further 14 days – the maximum amount it can be extended each time.

I would like to remind all residents that the Health and Social Services Website is the source for truthful information on the progression of COVID-19.

My promise to residents is that this information will be updated daily, and that we will notify residents of any new cases once the appropriate patient notification is complete.

And I would like to remind residents that rumors damage our response.

Your friend from town does not have better information than our public health professionals.

And when we spend time investigating these rumors because we have a mandate to make sure, we are taking time away from our response.

I would now like to comment on some prevention concerns.

We are receiving reports of community funerals and other gatherings continuing to take place in spite of our advice to cancel all gatherings.

These are events where a lot of people get together. They often attract elders, who are more at risk of serious complications and death from COVID-19.

And it’s not just funerals. Bringing people together physically from outside of your regular household is one of the quickest ways to spread the virus and hurt our communities – and it doesn’t matter where it is.

Weddings, feasts, weekends at the cabin, any time you have more than those then those that live in your household close to you – we all need to avoid this.

We understand this is very difficult time with a lot of change in how we interact. We need to make some tough decisions, and get creative to protect each other, our elders and our most vulnerable.

But we can’t let being separate in space divide us in spirit.

This is the time to strengthen our connections with our family, connect with those in your household by playing games, cooking together, building forts, learning how to play and learning how to listen.

For family and friends outside your household, keep connected from afar.

For communities, share your spirit with vehicle parades or teddy bears hunts, open window drum dances or social media sharing, prayer trees or set times everyone does something together in their own space.

Another concern we have is reports from the RCMP about crowded house and apartment parties taking place in communities around the territory.

This is not the time for a party – and if you’re organizing them, you’re bringing unnecessary danger to your community.

If you’re young and healthy, you may not even notice that you have the virus. But you can still spread it to people who can get really sick – your parents, your grandparents, other members of your community that you know and love.

We encourage you to try creative ways to stay close to your friends without being in the same place. Try a group chat, or stay in touch on social media. If you have a good internet connection, Google offers free video conferencing so you can see each other.

I also want to also touch upon our enforcement efforts.

Since setting up the Protect NWT self-isolation planning and compliance line, we have received 85 complaints related to compliance.

We have closed 58 after taking the necessary corrective actions, like warnings and education measures.

10 have been closed due to non-actionable information.

16 investigations are now underway.

We will always aim to educate first, and take additional action only when necessary.

But if we find people aren’t following the orders, nothing is off-the-table in finding ways to increase compliance.

I want to remind residents that no one is immune from this virus.

We know from stories around the globe that whether you’re a 25 year-old marathon runner, or a pensioner, this virus can get you.

And even if you don’t get very sick, you can be an unknowing spreader of this virus, and hurt people you care about.

In short, we’re in this together. And it’s important we keep our solidarity as we work to limit the spread.

So stay socially connected, while keeping physically distant.

Help your communities however you can. And be kind to each other.

As long as we’re united, I know we’ll get through this – together.

IHT5

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More