NT Government: Public Health Emergency Extended Through September 15

Press Release

Minister of Health and Social Services Diane Thom has extended the territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories’ Public Health Act on the advice of Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Dr. Kami Kandola.

The latest extension continues through September 15, 2020.

The Public Health Emergency remains necessary in order to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As Western Canada’s rate of infection reaches levels not seen since the beginning of the pandemic, our territory must remain vigilant to protect our communities, and our health system.

The territory is working hard through every avenue to address the challenge of rapid testing supplies.

Solving this problem will provide new options to identify and respond quickly to cases of COVID-19 when they occur in the Northwest Territories.

Everyone entering the NWT and those returning, regardless of how long they have been away, is required to self-isolate for 14 days in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River or Fort Smith with few exceptions.

Self-isolation is the frontline of our COVID-19 defence. If you’re required to self-isolate, it is very important to follow your self-isolation plan.

By keeping physical distance of two metres, keeping our circles and gatherings small, washing our hands, protecting ourselves and others from coughs and colds, and wearing non-medical masks when it’s difficult to maintain, physical distance will help keep everyone safer by preventing cases from becoming outbreaks.

Continued vigilance and responsibility by all is key to responding to COVID-19 risk.

Together, the Northwest Territories can continue to manage this pandemic.

For more information, visit our website.

Media contact:
Mike Westwick
Manager, Communications (COVID-19 Response)
Health and Social Services
[email protected]

IHT4