Public Health Advisory - September 8, 2021

8 September, 2021

YELLOWKNIFE September 8, 2021 – Yellowknife is currently in the midst of an outbreak affecting underhoused and vulnerable community members. Thus far into the outbreak 19 people who have accessed shelters have been infected with COVID-19. During the course of administering treatment and supports transmission has occurred and 10 health care and support workers have also tested positive for COVID-19. Without public health interventions there is significant risk that these cases will continue to grow and stretch our health care system resources beyond capacity.

At 5:00PM today by the order of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) a new Public Health Order (PHO) will go into effect in the communities of Behchoko, Dettah, N’Dilo and Yellowknife.

The PHO is intended to be in effect for 14 days through to September 22nd at 11:59PM. During this time period the following restrictions will be in place:

Households will be limited to five persons from outside their household to a maximum of 10 people indoors.
Outdoor gatherings will be restricted to 50 persons and physical distance of at least 2 metres must be maintained between groups.
Indoor gatherings will be restricted to 25 people and physical distance of at least 2 metres must be maintained between groups.
Essential businesses and facilities (a full list of essential services is listed on the PHO) may exceed the 25 person indoor limit provided staffing levels are limited to the minimum number of staff required to carry on operations
High risk indoor activities (outlined in the PHO) will be restricted under the order, unless the receive an approval or exemption from the CPHO
Indoor extracurricular activities (excluding school aftercare programs) for children under the age of 12 are not permitted

Businesses, organization or groups with previously approved exemptions under Phase 2 of Emerging Wisely (May 2020) can revert back to previously approved plans unless they are part of the high risk category.

The CPHO continues to strongly recommend against non-essential travel in and out of the communities affected by this order.

LINK: Public Health Order