Flags across the territory will be flown at half-mast on Thursday, on the one-year anniversary of the day the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.
It was March 11, 2020 when the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, with flags being flown at half-mast across the territory.
Premier Caroline Cochrane says she is hopeful the worst of the pandemic is over, but residents should still take care.
“I hope all Northerners will take a moment out of their day tomorrow to think about the immeasurable impact COVID-19 has had on the lives of many and pay tribute to the many people who’ve continued to contribute to the fight against the virus and have made personal sacrifices to keep our communities safe.”
“So many of you have endured hardships and challenges in the last year, and our government is committed to making sure that residents emerge stronger from the pandemic,” she adds.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared March 11 a National Day of Observance.
Over 890,000 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Canada.
Over 22,000 have died.
The Northwest Territories has the smallest total number of cases in the country, with 42 NWT residents being diagnosed with COVID-19. Five other NWT residents have been diagnosed outside the territory.
There is only one active COVID-19 case in the territory. Over 17,000 have received their first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, while over 11,000 have received both doses.
The GNWT is still warning against non-essential travel outside of the territory, ahead of March break.
“We do hope that instead of traveling south this spring break, you stay local and check out what our territory has to offer,” said Cochrane.
Cochrane says normal restrictions apply and residents should continue to take precautions against COVID-19 if they are travelling in the south.
