Two New Orders by NWT Chief Public Health Officer Strengthen Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
Press Release
YELLOWKNIFE (April 10, 2020) – NWT Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola today took action to protect NWT residents with two new binding public health Orders.
The announcement comes after forming a new Compliance and Enforcement Taskforce to track down and investigate complaints about those not following the rules of the Public Health Act or public health Orders.
Order on Mines and Oil and Gas Remote Camps to Protect Against the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. Kandola has ordered several measures to protect public health and continue safe operations at all mining and oil and gas projects in the Northwest Territories.
The measures apply to all companies and employers operating in the sectors – parent corporations and contractors alike.
Several measures also apply to employees.
This order excludes the Giant Mine Remediation project in Yellowknife. If this site is not staffed appropriately, the territory risks significant environmental damage.
The Order is effective as of 12pm on Friday April 10.
Order Bans All Gatherings, Formalizes Closure of Certain Businesses
Dr. Kandola bans all indoor gatherings effective April 11.
A gathering is defined as a group of people of any size who do not live in the same household who are not able to maintain social (physical) distance indoors.
This means no visitors inside any home. And it means if you are helping care for someone in your community, you must limit your time inside their living space to an absolute minimum.
This would include activities like:
- House parties
- Funerals
- Meetings
- Feasts
- Church services
- Team sports
Gathering of up to 10 people will be allowed only outdoors as long as social (physical) distance of at least two metres (six feet) can be maintained. This distance must be maintained throughout the duration of these activities.
Additionally, the advice on certain businesses closing has now been clarified and turned into an enforceable Order.
While our business community has cooperated and closed based on our advice, this Order will formalize this requirement and also ensure no businesses face barriers when applying for relief from the federal government.
For all COVID-19 media requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest
Backgrounder:
IHT5
