Yellowknife — November 8, 2021
ProtectNWT will be using a new system to accept and process Self-Isolation Plans (SIPs) beginning tonight, which will result in a simplified process for travellers in filling out the necessary documentation to travel in the NWT.
The new system is being implemented to overcome some constraints of the previous system. The previous system became overwhelmed in early August 2021 as a result of increased travel after the self-isolation requirements were changed for all NWT residents on June 21, 2021. The COVID Secretariat has made changes to the system used by ProtectNWT, to ensure it can support the higher volume of SIPs that will be submitted during the upcoming holiday season, and in preparation for future changes related to leisure travel.
To improve the user experience, there will now be only one SIP that is streamlined to each applicant’s reason for entering the NWT. The system will automatically direct users through the appropriate fields if eligible for self-isolation exemptions.
To facilitate this change, the system will be shut down from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm (MST) on November 8, 2021. This means that the system will not accept any SIPs during this time period. There is no need to resubmit any forms that have already been submitted, these will be automatically moved into the new system.
ProtectNWT operators are available to assist and can be contacted between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm (MST), seven days a week at 8-1-1 from within the NWT. Please call 1-833-378-8297 from outside the NWT, or email protectnwt@gov.nt.ca.
Quote(s)
“The pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone – and as we continue to protect the well-being of residents and our communities, we want to make things as easy as possible. The travel requirements that have been in place in the NWT for residents, workers and visitors since March 2020 have worked to limit the importation of COVID-19 into the territory. By streamlining the Isolation Plan process for travel that is allowed under current public health restrictions, the new system will provide the capacity and flexibility to carry us to the end of this pandemic.”
- Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories
Quick facts
- Roughly 2,000 SIPs are filed per week and processed by ProtectNWT
- To date nearly 98,000 SIPs have been submitted to ProtectNWT since the start of the reporting period on March 21, 2020.
- This system change will replace the Smartsheet platform, currently used to store SIPs, with an Oracle APEX platform.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Name: Dawn Ostrem
Title: Manager, COVID Secretariat Communications
Department: COVID Secretariat
Government of the Northwest Territories
Email: dawn_ostrem@gov.nt.ca
Phone Number: (867) 767-9488 ext.61116