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

Good afternoon.

This week, we’ve been focused on planning for emerging gradually, and safely, from our current levels of public health restrictions.

The changes we’ve introduced to our Public Health Orders this week are allowing us to consider taking these first steps.

Because if we can track those entering our territory when they’re at highest-risk of transmission, and keep our boundaries strong, we can bring more freedom and stability to our residents as we continue our response to this virus.

The territory-wide Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency have been extended in the Northwest Territories. Both extensions will take effect as of April 29, 2020 and expire on May 12, 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.

Targeted changes have been introduced to keep residents safe, and keep COVID-19 contained in the NWT. 

Effective immediately, essential service workers and those supporting them; infrastructure workers employed by the GNWT, Municipal Governments, Indigenous Governments and Organizations; and corrections officers returning to the NWT are subject to new restrictions.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is now accepting funding applications from Northwest Territories (NWT) businesses and artists interested in manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as other non-medical products.

ITI will consider proposals that demonstrate a business case for the development of PPE and cloth face masks within the NWT.

Products include:

To slow and contain the spread of COVID-19 it is of utmost importance to diagnose and isolate individuals infected with the virus. As we continue to learn about this new virus we need to reassess and adjust our approach, which includes who we test. Research has shown that individuals with COVID-19 might experience symptoms other than fever,  new or worsening cough, or shortness of breath. These include a recent onset of:  

It is undoubtedly good news that at this time, our territory has no active cases of COVID-19, and our last confirmed case reported two-and-a-half weeks ago.

But as we respond to COVID-19, it’s important we both look at the facts, and remember our history.

We know that there are second and perhaps even third waves in Canada expected before we get a vaccine.

If you’re in the Northwest Territories, dialing 8-1-1 is your connection to COVID-19 information and services.

The new Service NWT COVID Support Line means residents can use one easy number to reach the established self-isolation, enforcement, and regional centre accommodations lines.

The line also has staff to provide callers with accurate information about COVID-19 and how it relates to residents of the NWT. The operators will assist the caller by: