In preparing for a second wave of COVID-19, the territorial government is creating a secretariat role within the department of Health and Social Services to respond to the pandemic. The secretariat will work closely with Kami Kandola, chief public health officer, implementing, and enforcing the NWT Public Health Order. For…
Dr. Kami Kandola says closing down schools in March highlighted “unintended consequences” on students’ mental health and learning. As a result, the NWT chief public health officer hopes to not have to do it again, even if a COVID case enters the classroom. “Shutting the school down is a very…
A boil water advisory is in effect in Hay River, Enterprise, Kakisa, and the K’atl’Odeeche Reserve. The advisory is a result of higher than normal turbidity — muddy water, according to a press release issued Wednesday morning. The Chief Environmental Health Officer is advising all residents in Hay River, Enterprise,…
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…
Over a dozen schools have been chosen as the winners of the Drop the Pop campaign. Out of 45 participating schools, 16 have been chosen for the monetary award, ranging from $500 to $1,875. The Drop the Pop campaign is supported by the department of Health and Social Services to…
The United Way NWT receives an additional $50,000 in funding from the federal government for COVID relief programs. This was part of the Emergency Community Support Fund. The program focuses on providing aid to the most vulnerable members of the community and frontline services most impacted by the pandemic. “This…
From the advice of Dr. Kami Kandola, the government of the Northwest Territories has extended the territory-wide public health emergency once more. This extension expires on September 1, 2020. With over 900 self-isolation plans filed just last week from new workers, residents, and students, health officials say self-isolation is a…
The chief public health officer says mandating masks or face coverings in public spaces is a possibility for the fall. This comes as the city of Yellowknife considers adopting a bylaw to enforce masks or face coverings. Additionally Walmart started enforcing them on Aug. 12. Dr. Kami Kandola, the chief…
Access to online mental health resources and a stable internet connection is a paradox for most northern communities. The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is joining together with the Government of the Northwest Territories for a two-year mental health project to reduce wait times and improve services. Jennifer Drygeese,…
Dr. Kami Kandola, the NWT’s chief public health officer, says there is no longer a risk of COVID-19 at Diavik Diamond Mine. Her office has completed its investigation into the recent case. Following several negative tests, the 27 people in isolation have been released and the worker who contracted the…