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Four new Covid-19 cases at Gahcho Kué mine

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The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) confirmed Friday morning four new cases of Covid-19 at the Gahcho Kué Mine. 

Four new cases were announced Friday morning at Gahcho Kué mine, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 10. NNSL file photo.

Three of the individuals are NWT residents and the fourth is an out-of-territory worker. 

The new cases were identified during regular testing by Gahcho Kué medical staff. All are said to be isolating and doing well. 

Due to unknown transmission chains, chief public health officer (CPHO) Dr. Kami Kandola has determined that every employee on site is a possible contact and all have been re-tested. 

Since four cases were diagnosed at the mine Wednesday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 positives on site to 10.

Kandola advised that there is no identified risk to NWT communities related to the outbreak. 

The 10 new cases this week follow Gahcho Kué's temporary suspension of operations on Feb. 6. 

For those remaining on-site, routine monitoring and follow-up will continue. Outbreak response measures have been implemented, in addition to routine measures to protect employees, Kandola said.

The CPHO stated that Gahcho Kué “continues to collaborate with public health officials to mitigate transmission risk and Yellowknife Public Health will perform some testing and monitoring.”

Every person leaving the mine site is required to self-isolate for 14 days. 

“As Covid-19 cases increase, it’s important that we all remember to stick to healthy habits like physical distancing, hand-washing and mask-wearing to help keep you and others safe,” Kandola said.

The CPHO will continue to advise the public as new information becomes available.