The COVID-19 outbreak at Gahcho Kué Mine is over, according to the office of the chief public health officer (OCPHO).
On Friday, Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi, the deputy chief public health officer, issued an advisory saying the last worker to have developed symptoms has recovered.
A total of 20 workers became infected with the virus during the outbreak, which was declared on Feb. 3; 12 of them are from outside the territory, the other 8 eight are NWT residents.
Three of the workers developed severe symptoms and required hospitalization. It’s unclear if they are still in hospital.
“The OCPHO recognizes that the Gahcho Kué outbreak produced significant impacts in the
NWT,” said Dr. Delli Pizzi in the advisory. He added, “Most of all, the outbreak
impacted workers, their families, and their communities…. The OCPHO wishes to acknowledge the selflessness and goodwill of those who self-isolated to keep their friends, families, co-workers and the whole territory safe.”
The NWT recently started vaccinating non-resident rotational workers.
“Every dose given in the NWT will continue to boost the territory’s overall defense against COVID-19,” said Dr. Delli Pizzi.
The advisory also explained this was to reduce the risk with the development of new COVID-19 strains in other parts of the country.
