In the first week of January, Statistics Canada began working with the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat on an initiative where they conduct symptom and wellness checks for people who are self-isolating in the Northwest Territories (NWT) as a result of travel. Until now, these symptom checks have been administered by the Secretariat’s ProtectNWT staff, via direct telephone contact or online submissions.  

Statistics Canada has over 1,700 trained interviewers and a robust infrastructure to ensure the personal health information of Canadians is protected and secure. Statistics Canada staff are now working with ProtectNWT staff by completing over-the-phone symptom checks with people self-isolating in the NWT. Statistics Canada is utilizing staff from their Western Canada region, which includes representatives from British Columbia and Alberta, who are trained to make calls and conduct surveys to Northerners.

This initiative is funded by the federal government as part of a broader Canada-wide partnership between Statistics Canada and provinces and territories. The GNWT’s participation in the program was arranged through an agreement between Dr. Kami Kandola, NWT Chief Public Health Officer and Statistics Canada. The additional federal resources will ensure the more time-consuming direct-contact checks remain readily available to all isolating travellers wishing to access this form of check-in.

GNWT Health Information Services is working closely with Statistics Canada to ensure safety and security of NWT residents’ personal health information.

Quotes:

“This partnership with Statistics Canada will allow us to provide personalized over-the-phone symptom checks to anyone self-isolating in the NWT who would rather speak with a person than submit their information electronically. We have been able to limit the number of cases in the NWT because of the strength and resilience of NWT residents who have continued to make sacrifices for the safety of their neighbours and loved ones. I am thankful for all those who continue to follow self-isolation orders.”

-Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories and Minister Responsible for the COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat

Quick Facts:

• Individuals self-isolating in the NWT are required to complete a symptom check on the 2nd, 6th, 10th and 14th days following entry into the NWT.
• On any given day, approximately 350 people in the NWT complete a symptom check resulting from travel outside of the NWT, and approximately 1,200 people are self-isolating.
• Working with Statistics Canada also provides an opportunity to ensure that travellers adhere to the requirements of completing symptom checks.
• The arrangement will continue until March 31, 2021 with the ability to be extended as needed.

Related Links

• Self-Isolation Plan
• Self-Isolation (For Travelers Entering The NWT)
• Isolation (Isolation for those with symptoms, contact, or confirmed COVID-19)

Media contacts

Shelley Browne

Manager, Communications and Public Affairs

COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat

Government of the Northwest Territories

Shelley_Browne@gov.nt.ca