The Northwest Territories (NWT) Covid-19 risk has shifted to risk associated with Covid importation from travel.
The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) says it can clearly trace Covid-19 infections to travellers returning from outside the NWT, but still asks residents take additional precautions.
The chief public health officer (CPHO) recommends residents returning from travel outside of the NWT should be “extremely diligent” in self-monitoring for Covid-19 symptoms — especially for the first 72 hours they’re back in the territory.
For those first three days, people should limit their contact with other households; wear a well-fitted, appropriate and constructed, masks in social settings (especially in crowded, indoor settings); avoid high risk activities; and do not attend large gatherings.
Anyone, regardless of travel and vaccination status, should isolate and arrange for testing if they develop Covid-19 symptoms.
Vaccination remains a safe and effective way to avoid severe health outcomes from a Covid-19 infection.
Two doses of the vaccine product provide some level of protection from the Omicron variant, with boosters providing additional protection.
There are currently about 200 people in Canada whose status of Covid is confirmed as Omicron, with cases ranging all over Canada (with the exception of Northwest Territories and Nunavut).
Initial assessment shows Omicron is more transmissible in homes and community settings, with case numbers doubling in the time frame of three days.
Severity of Omicron infections is unclear, however, the sheer number of people getting infected can risk the capacity of the NWT health care system.
Low percentages of severe infections of Covid-19 in the Omicron variant is offset by increased transmissibility.
With the likelihood of more infections from the variant, so does the likelihood of severe health outcomes.