The chief public health officer of the NWT is advising residents effective immediately they should cancel all mass gatherings which could reach over 50 people in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Large retail or grocery stores are exempt from the 50 person-requirement.
The remaining guidance on hand-washing and physical distance still apply.
The government stated, “Additionally if you are holding a gathering of less than 50 people, the following measures must be available to be considered safe.”
1. The ability to keep two metres between people.
2. An adequate supply of hygiene material (i.e. paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, running water, waste disposal).
3. The direction that anyone who is not feeling well must stay home.
4. Increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces used often.
The government is reminding residents that “large gatherings are a significant source of spread. The physical distancing of more than two metres apart becomes challenging, healthy respiratory practices may not always be followed and more bodies mean more chance of spread.”
“Taking action to limit large gatherings will help protect all Northwest Territories residents — and especially the elderly and other vulnerable populations,” the government stated.
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