The territorial government has extended the public health emergency until Oct. 10.
There have been no cases of COVID-19 in the NWT since April 5, but a press release says, with record levels of COVID-19 transmission reported in neighbouring areas, the risk to the Northwest Territories is increased.
“As the COVID-19 has accelerated across Canada, some provinces are talking about locking down again. The NWT is in a position where we are looking at how to move forward faster with careful considerations of risk because of strong, early response. ”
The release says the territory has expanded rapid testing. However the rule remains that 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 14th time the GNWT has extended the public health emergency.
The government can only extend the states of emergency for two weeks at a time.
