As Emerging Wisely moves forward, Public Health officials are working closely with businesses and organizations to alter their standard practices to get activities ahead more.

Last week, return-to-play plans for some high-profile organizations were approved after submission to the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

These approvals are provided as Exceptional Circumstances Exemptions under the public health orders on Phase 2 of Emerging Wisely. In these instances, activities were moved from Phase 3 to Phase 2.

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 global COVID-19 pandemic is not over. In the case of some jurisdictions in Canada, we have seen concerning surges in cases as re-opening plans continue.

Residents are now able to view COVID-19 data through the NWT COVID-19 Dashboard – an interactive, visual tool.  Using visualizations such as graphs and maps gives residents access to information that is easier to understand.

Residents can view the following information:

Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement today concerning the report of the NWT Integrity Commissioner:

“I welcome today’s report by NWT Integrity Commissioner David Jones dismissing MLA Jackie Jacobson’s recent complaint against myself and Minister Diane Thom. Mr. Jones has found insufficient grounds to warrant an inquiry and has concluded that the complaint is vexatious and was not made in good faith,

In a continuing effort to improve and clarify the territory’s public health orders, the Chief Public Health Officer has issued previously-announced amendments to the territory’s travel restriction and self-isolation protocols.

These amendments apply to resident supply-chain workers and resident flight crews and airline employees to codify the precautions they must take during the course of their work to mitigate public health risks.

The number one priority for Child and Family Services continues to be the safety and wellbeing of children and youth. Steady progress in transforming the Child and Family Services System to better meet the needs of children and youth was made since the December update. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in the ongoing completion of some quality reviews.  Measuring compliance on key requirements for all quality reviews is expected to be completed by October 2020.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Government of Alberta and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The 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 recommendation of Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Dr. Kami Kandola.

The Department of Health and Social Services is inviting interested members of the public to submit an application to serve as a representative on the NWT Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery (MWAR) Advisory Group.

To serve in the MWAR Advisory Group, applicants must meet the following requirements:

·       Lived / Living experience with mental wellness and addictions recovery:

o   Individuals who have lived/living experience with a mental health concern as well as experience with mental health services; and/or

The Public Health Order directed at mineral and petroleum resource (MPR) industry remote camp workers is being amended  to ensure workers residing in the Northwest Territories (NWT) are afforded the same relaxed measures implemented for Phase Two of the Emerging Wisely Plan.