The Yellowknives Dene First Nation has postponed indefinitely its handgames tournament amid the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, said YKDFN CEO Lena Black on Aug. 18.
It was the second time in two days the Yellowknives Dene decided to push back the games, which were originally scheduled for Aug. 19-22 but on Aug. 17 were postponed to Sept. 3-6.
RELATED REPORTING: YKDFN postpones handgames until Sept. 3-6 amid COVID-19 outbreak
“Due to the updated circumstances, YKDFN is postponing the handgames tournament until further notice. This allows us to do our part for the safety of all residents and not have large gatherings while NWT is dealing with this COVID-19 outbreak,” Black said. “We additionally encourage that everyone please do their part and social distance, wear a mask in public areas and stay safe. When the time is right, YKDFN will post an updated handgames tournament.”
The current outbreak of COVID-19 infections among NWT residents grew from one case in each of Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells on Aug. 15 to 128 active cases by Aug. 19, more than half of the total number of 250 cases the territory has experienced since the pandemic began in 2020.
RELATED REPORTING: 52 new cases of COVID-19 in NWT: CPHO