1 new case of COVID-19 identified in Yellowknife, 53 recovered

The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories identified one new case of COVID-19 in Yellowknife Wednesday evening.

The case is linked to the NJ Macpherson School outbreak identified more than two weeks ago. This brings the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 linked to this outbreak to 70.

Health officials say 53 of those cases have been recovered, leaving 17 active cases.

No notification of public exposure was provided.

According to a press release issued Wednesday evening, the situation in Yellowknife is “improving day by day and there is no evidence of community spread.”

Health officials still recommend avoiding all non-essential travel between Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀, Dettah and Ndilo, but medical appointments must be respected.

Health officials are also encouraging recreational travel, such as camping this long weekend.

“This is not considered travel in and out of communities,” the statement said. “People should continue to follow public health orders and other guidelines. Spending time outdoors in the NWT is very healthy!