The following is copied from the release sent by the OCPHO (Office of the Chief Public Health Officer) The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is updating isolation requirements for people with COVID-19 and their contacts. The update aligns isolation requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people who have COVID-19, and their contacts. The new isolation Public Health Order went into effect at 5 pm yesterday (Monday).
Close contacts (non-household) are people named as contacts who do not share a living
space with the person with COVID-19. Close contacts (non-household) are no longer
required to isolate but must self-monitor for symptoms, physically distance, and wear a
mask wherever possible in all settings for 10 full days from the time they are identified as a
contact. The requirements are the same for vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. Anyone who develops symptoms must isolate.
Household contacts and people with COVID-19 must isolate for seven full days and wear a mask, wherever possible, in all settings for an additional three days. Both are now required to isolate for the same duration of time. Isolation starts on the date and time that at least one household member tested positive for COVID-19 or becomes symptomatic. If a household member becomes symptomatic they must contact ProtectNWT or a health care provider and must isolate from the time they become symptomatic. The requirements are the same for vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals.
Only health care providers can reduce isolation time. For more information please use
the Self-isolation, Isolation and Testing Navigator.
The goals of the CPHO are to reduce transmission of COVID-19 while also minimizing
disruptions to schools or other critical services. Anyone in NWT who develops symptoms of COVID-19, must stay home and arrange testing if possible. Vaccination remains a vital tool in preventing serious outcomes from COVID-19 and remains the most important safety net we have to protect vulnerable populations at higher risk of severe illness and the health care system.
