The NWT Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is immediately issuing the following testing guidelines for anyone who receives a POSITIVE rapid antigen test. These are the take-home tests that are provided at airports, through NWT schools, and through the DetectNWT program. Rapid antigen tests will also become available through health centres as soon as possible. They are currently available at the COVID-19 testing clinic in Yellowknife for those who meet eligibility.

The Department of Health and Social Services is seeking feedback on the proposed Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Regulations, to strengthen the protection of residents, by limiting the sale of flavoured vapour products. Input received from public and stakeholder engagement in 2020 has helped inform the development of these proposed regulations.

Minister of Health and Social Services Julie Green issued the following statement:

“On Friday, December 17th, the CEO of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority provided staff with an update on actions taken to address their concerns, spurred by the labour and delivery service reduction at Stanton Territorial Hospital.

The NWT Department of Health and Social Services has announced a six-month transition period for eligible Extended Health Benefit and Métis Health Benefit program clients to switch prescriptions to biosimilar drugs from their original biologic drug. A biosimilar drug is one that is designed to have active properties similar to those of a drug that has previously been licensed. Biosimilar drugs have previously been referred to as “generic” drugs.

After the six-month transition period, coverage under the respective programs will be prioritized for biosimilar drugs only.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green 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 January 4, 2021. 

The Public Health Emergency is required to continue to decisively respond to shifts in the NWT’s own public health situation, and maintain preventative measures.

As anticipated, the Omicron variant of concern has been confirmed in the Northwest Territories.

The Omicron variant is quickly becoming the dominant COVID-19 strain across Canada, replacing the Delta variant.

The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) announced a new Public Health Order (PHO) that will go into effect at 12:00 pm today.

Some of the highlights of the new PHO include:

The Government of Northwest Territories is developing Meat Safety Regulations for locally produced meat and meat products from privately raised livestock, to NWT consumers. The regulations will set out requirements for production, distribution, and sale to ensure that meat and meat products are handled and prepared using safe methods.

Minister of Health and Social Services Julie Green released an update on the Quality Improvement Plan Progress for Child and Family Services (CFS) today. This update is part of the Department of Health and Social Services’ commitment to transparency related to the actions the GNWT is taking to better meet the needs of children and youth. These actions align with the recommendations of the Auditor General of Canada and the Federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families. CFS  supports families so they can care for children and youth in their community.

The Department of Health and Social Services is seeking feedback from professionals and the public on the proposed Naturopathic Profession Regulations. Input from public and stakeholder engagement in 2016 helped inform the development of these proposed regulations.