The territory-wide Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency have been extended in the Northwest Territories. Both extensions will take effect as of May 27, 2020 and expire on June 9, 2020.

 

Minister of Health and Social Services Diane Thom extended the territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories Public Health Act on the recommendation of Chief Public Health Officer Kami Kandola.

 

Premier Caroline Cochrane, in her capacity of Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, extended the territory-wide state of emergency under the Emergency Management Act.

 

We are now just over a week into eased restrictions as described within Phase One of the Emerging Wisely plan. These include opportunities like increased interpersonal interactions, the opening of some business and organizations, and increased numbers for outdoor gatherings.

 

It is important to remember that most travel into the NWT by non-residents is prohibited with limited exceptions. NWT residents entering the NWT are still required to self-isolate for 14 days in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River or Fort Smith before travelling to their home community.

 

In order to ensure we can maintain ongoing support of the Public Heath orders, including checkpoints and isolation centres, as well as the ability to respond to any potential new cases and the impacts that might arise, it is necessary to continue to maintain a Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency.

 

While the Northwest Territories is currently in containment mode, with no evidence of community spread and all cases recovered, the situation can change quickly without carefully managing the continued response.   

 

Nationwide spread is the biggest risk of expanding spread within the Northwest Territories and Dr. Kandola has indicated she will continue to recommend extensions to the Public Health Emergency until the situation has changed considerably across Canada.

 

These extensions reflect the need to remain vigilant and swiftly respond to any changes to the current situation in the Northwest Territories. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) continues to enhance our response to the COVID-19 pandemic in an ongoing effort to protect the health of the residents of the Northwest Territories.

 

All residents are reminded to follow the orders and advice from the Chief Public Health Officer during this challenging time.

 

Any person who has any questions or inquiries can contact Protect NWT at [email protected] or 1-833-378-8297 or visit our website at:

 

https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.

 

For all COVID-19 Media Requests, Contact:

Cabinet Communications 

Government of the Northwest Territories