A second resident of the Northwest Territories has died of COVID-19, according to the chief public health officer (CPHO).
A press release issued Monday evening by Dr. Kami Kandola, NWT CPHO, did not disclose any details on the deceased resident.
“As Chief Public Health Officer, I wish to express my condolences to the family, friends, and community of the deceased for their loss,” the release reads.
The first reported death was 92-year-old Fort Good Hope Elder Gabe Kochon.
Dr. Kandola announced 62 new cases of COVID-19 in the NWT since Sept. 17.
Yellowknife, Dettah and Ndilǫ have 132 active cases, there are 47 in Behchokǫ, 31 in Whatì, nine in Hay River and three in Fort Good Hope.
Dr. Kandola is advising against non-essential travel to and from Behchokǫ, Dettah, Ndilǫ, Whatì and Yellowknife to protect against transmission to other communities.
Délı̨nę, Norman Wells, Inuvik, Łutselkʼe, Fort Resolution and Fort Liard each have one active case.
There have been 22 hospitalizations connected to the current outbreak and nine ICU admissions since the start of the pandemic.
Dr. Kandola says approximately 30 per cent of the current infections occur in fully vaccinated northerners.
“Likely due to prolonged, high-intensity exposures to those with COVID-19 in environments such as homes, shelters, and health facilities,” the release says.
However, she adds the vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect from severe health outcomes if infected with COVID-19.
“Vaccines keep people out of hospitals,” the release says.
A full list of exposure notifications can be found here.
