With a reduction in test volume, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pausing weekend updates on COVID-19 testing.
Tests normally reported on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays will now be reported on Monday, or the day after the statutory holiday falls.
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.
Check Against Delivery
Mr. Speaker, in the past few months, we have asked people to change the way we live, work and socialize in order to protect our territory against COVID-19. This is by far. the most significant public health crisis we have faced in decades.
Today, I would like to reflect on the public health measures we have put in place and how we will continue to protect our territory, while bringing some stability back to our lives.
Leadership continues from local business across the Northwest Territories (NWT) in filling the need for high-quality sanitizer during the COVID-19 crisis.
As global supply chains became challenged, 62 Degrees North medical supplies stepped up to deliver local hand sanitizer to protect residents and businesses from the virus.
Today, the Northwest Territories (NWT) takes its first careful steps towards a more open society.
As announced on May 12th, the territory needed to complete several essential steps to move into relaxing phase one of eased measures outlined in the Emerging Wisely Plan shared with residents by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) earlier this week.
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 13, 2020 and expire on May 26, 2020.
These extensions are due to the continued need for response to the COVID-19 global pandemic to protect public health in the Northwest Territories and do not indicate a significant change in circumstances or an increased risk to the people of the NWT.
Today, the GNWT charted a path to emerging from the current public health measures implemented to contain COVID-19 in the NWT – and the easing could start within a week.
The plan, titled Emerging Wisely, outlines where we are today, how we got here, and a five-part approach for gradually moving the territory from the containment measures in-place today through four phases of eased measures. The path includes progressively-eased restrictions on people, businesses, and activities important to residents.
The Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes how important it is for residents to be able to access information about COVID-19 in a single location, and has made some changes to address that need.
Information is power in the collective response to COVID-19 in the Northwest Territories – and now, it’s a whole lot easier to find. That’s because the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has launched a new, standalone, cross-government website bringing all the information and resources about the territory’s pandemic response under one roof.
Good afternoon.
I want to begin by saying that our thoughts are with the people of Hay River who are facing flood risks alongside a pandemic.
We appreciate the work everyone is doing on the frontlines to keep people safe from the flood, and making sure good public health practices are followed as much as possible as the response unfolds.
Providing supports for those experiencing homelessness and addiction has been a focus throughout the COVID-19 response in the Northwest Territories.
Today those support options have grown with the opening of the new Yellowknife Women’s Centre individual housing suites and the return of regular programming at the Yellowknife Day and Sobering Centre.
Yellowknife Women’s Centre Transitional Housing
