109 COVID cases in the Sahtú, more hospitalizations reported

This image is a computer generated representation of COVID-19 virions (SARS-CoV-2) under electron microscope. (Felipe Esquivel Reed/Wikimedia Commons).

The territorial government is reporting that there have been more hospitalizations as a result of the COVID outbreak.

However, no exact number was provided as a press release reads there are currently less than five hospitalizations.

Some of the cases have been confirmed as the Delta variant, which first originated in India.

There are now 109 cases in the Sahtú, 19 in Yellowknife and one in Inuvik.

Fort Good Hope Chief Tommy Kakfwi says the Canadian Red Cross has been called in and the community has established a command centre.

The community is in a state of emergency and containment order.

Kakfwi says those who have tested positive are being set up in units across the community, including the local bed and breakfasts and the school.

Residents have been volunteering to deliver groceries to those who are self-isolating and the local Northern Store and Co-op have also been offering delivery services.

“I had to congratulate my community today for for just complying with with the direction that’s given to them, and we will overcome this obstacle,” he says.

Arthur Tobac, a resident of Fort Good Hope, says he is thankful to the other communities that have offered support and well wishes.

Tobac says he appreciates the work of the health care staff stationed in the community.

“So they’ve been very helpful in this area. And we’re kind of grateful for all of this going on,” he said.

He and his wife are currently in isolation.

Tobac says he knows his community will make it through this obstacle and expects more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine as a result.

The Sahtú has one of the lowest rates in the NWT with only 71 per cent partially vaccinated and 62 per cent fully vaccinated.

About the Author

Luke Carroll
Luke Carroll is a journalist originally from Brockville, Ont. He has previously worked as a reporter and editor in Ottawa, Halifax and New Brunswick. Luke is a graduate of Carleton University's bachelor of journalism program. If you have a story idea, feel free to send him an email at luke.carroll@cklbradio.com