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OCPHO calls for Covid-19 testing after virus found in wastewater samples

The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) is calling for anyone in Yellowknife who has self-isolated since Nov. 30 to arrange for a Covid-19 test after recent wastewater samples have found traces of the virus.

Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer states that recent wastewater surveillance tests have shown that there is likely an undetected case of Covid-19 in Yellowknife.
NNSL file photo

The OCPHO issued a news release on Dec. 9 stating that wastewater tests conducted between Nov. 30 and Dec. 3 show "that there is likely an undetected case of Covid-19 in Yellowknife."

"Currently, the NWT’s largest risk for Covid-19 comes from individuals who have travelled outside the NWT since all cases thus far have been linked to travel," states the release.

"Anyone who was self-isolating in Yellowknife since November 30 until present should have a Covid-19 test.

"This means if, between November 30 and now, you were in Yellowknife and at any stage of your self-isolation because of traveling into NWT, you should get tested now even if you don’t have symptoms. "

The release states that since Nov. 30 there have been 300 Covid-19 tests done in Yellowknife and all have come back with a negative result.

Essential services workers 

The OCPHO release states that essential services workers who have been in Yellowknife since Nov. 30 should also get tested.

"This recommendation to get tested does not apply to high risk essential service workers without symptoms who were already tested as part of their permission to work (e.g. health care workers)," states the release, adding that those people should continue to follow advice from their employers or permission to work letters.

The OCPHO notes that there could be one or more individuals with Covid-19.

"It is possible that this signal is from one or more individuals who have travelled and who are now appropriately self-isolating, or have even left the territory," states the release.

Yellowknife residents seeking Covid-19 testing can visit the front door of the Yellowknife Primary Care Centre and go to Pod B on the left- the Covid Clinic.
NNSL file photo

"But it is also possible that Covid-19 has been transmitted to others. Currently, there is not enough information to confidently assess public risk."

How to get tested

People who are home and find themselves with symptoms of Covid-19 or who have been in contact with others with symptoms, are recommended to contact their local public health unit to arrange for testing, the release states.

Basic preventative measures from public health remain otherwise the same with recommendations to avoid anyone with symptoms of the virus, follow self-isolation guidance, stay home when sick and wear a non-medical mask in public spaces.

The CPHO has also developed many methods to get testing quickly, especially for those who have recently travelled.

For people with access to the Internet, appointments can be booked at the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority 'Book an Appointment' page.

Those without Internet can contact Yellowknife public health at 867-767-9210 or any community health centre.

"Tell them that you have recently travelled or were self-isolating between Nov. 30 and Dec. 9 and that you need to be tested for Covid-19," states the release.

Yellowknife Primary Care Clinic 

People in Yellowknife in need of testing are asked to visit the front door of the Yellowknife Primary Care Clinic  and to go to Pod B to the left – the Covid-19 Clinic.

In other communities, people are asked to follow structures at that location on how to safely get tested on site.

Those who do not get through right away, are asked to leave a voicemail with the health clinic with a name and number to contact.

"There will likely be high call volumes," states the release.

"Please stay isolated and wait for someone to call you back from public health. If you do not hear back in 24 hours, please call back."

Dr. Kami Kandola states in the news release that people must book appointments ahead of getting tested.

"Remember: please do not go to the health centre without booking an appointment, or calling ahead – especially if  you are being tested in Yellowknife. It is very important to control patient flow so people are not put at risk by bigger crowds, and the health-care centre does not get overloaded."