The territorial government has extended the public health emergency until Sept. 15.
There have been no cases of COVID-19 in the NWT since April 5, but a press release says, there is fear of it spreading from other areas of Canada.
“As Western Canada’s rate of infection reaches levels not seen since the beginning of the pandemic, our territory must remain vigilant to protect our communities, and our health system.”
The release says the territory is working to establish rapid testing, but in the meantime anyone who leaves the NWT must self-isolate for 14 days, upon returning.
“Self-isolation is the frontline of our COVID-19 defence,” the release says.
Checkpoints and isolation centres will continue to be provided to ensure the NWT remains COVID-free.
This is the 12th time Diane Thom, minister of Health and Social Services, has extended the public health emergency.
The government can only extend the states of emergency for two weeks at a time.
