Menu

Topics

Connect

Comments

Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.

N.W.T. reports coronavirus case, believed to be first in Canada’s North

WATCH ABOVE: Northwest Territories confirms 1st case of COVID-19

The Northwest Territories reported what is believed to be the first case of the novel coronavirus in Canada’s North on Saturday as it closed its doors to those from outside the territory.

Story continues below advertisement

The patient had travelled to British Columbia and Alberta, and developed mild symptoms three days after returning to Yellowknife, the government said.

The person is now recovering at home and public health officials are in the process of contact tracing so all those exposed can be monitored or tested.

“Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola has issued an order prohibiting entry of non-residents to the Northwest Territories by land, air, or port with limited exceptions,” Health Minister Diane Thom said Saturday.

“These measures are drastic. They will be challenging. But they are necessary.”

Story continues below advertisement

Disobeying that order is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and six months in jail, according to a news release.

The North is considered to be among Canada’s most vulnerable locations to an outbreak of COVID-19, because of the limited health care access.

The territory is requiring that returning residents self-isolate in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River or Inuvik in an effort to stop the virus from making its way to smaller, more remote communities.

Thom said the government is doing everything in its power to prevent an outbreak.

“We’re testing at a rate double that of Canada’s as a whole so we can trace and respond to infection quickly. We’re marshalling all available resources to bolster our health care response,” she said.

Story continues below advertisement

“And no option is off the table as we move forward.”

Advertisement

You are viewing an Accelerated Mobile Webpage.

View Original Article