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:
The Government of the Northwest Territories has opened a second intake of applications for low interest loans to support NWT businesses through the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing first-come-first-served basis.
Working Capital Loans of up to $25,000 (or more if need is clearly addressed) are available from the Government of the Northwest Territories, through the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC).
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:
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) recognizes that supporting access to early learning and child care is essential for healthcare providers, frontline staff and other essential workers to be able to respond to COVID-19 in the Northwest Territories. Today, Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance, and R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), are announcing additional support for essential workers responding to COVID-19 that will ensure access to child care.
Paulie Chinna, the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) is announcing that the Transitional Rent Supplement Program (TRSP) has undergone changes to make the program more responsive and accessible to NWT residents. These changes are especially important during these challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic where many residents are working reduced hours or have lost their jobs.
Taiga Environmental Laboratory (Taiga Lab) is stepping up to support the response to COVID-19 in the Northwest Territories by producing hand sanitizer for Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) workers that interact with the public.
Frontline workers at airports and enforcement checkpoints, as well as wildlife officers and healthcare workers are at higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are proven to help reduce the spread of the virus.
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:
Minister of Finance, Caroline Wawzonek, today announced changes to the Liquor Regulations to put limits on the amount of liquor that can be sold daily to individual customers in territorial liquor stores. The restrictions are in effect as of April 16, 2020.
These changes are being made in response to requests from Members of the Legislative Assembly, as well as community and Indigenous leaders across the territory, in an effort to deter bootlegging activity in the NWT’s communities.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) understands the importance of essential fuel deliveries for residents and businesses in northern communities. It has been a priority for the GNWT that this work continues uninterrupted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
