On March 21, 2020, the Northwest Territories reported its first case of COVID-19; the individual had travelled to British Columbia and Alberta before returning home to Yellowknife.[1]
Timeline
2020
The Northwest Territories declared a state of emergency on March 18.[2][3]
On March 21, the territory reported its first case of COVID-19; the individual had travelled to British Columbia and Alberta before returning home to Yellowknife.[4]
By May 8, the Northwest Territories has banned all non-resident travellers into the Northwest Territories.[5] All residents travelling into the Northwest Territories are required to self-isolate in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River, or Fort Smith for at least 14 days.[6]
On October 20, one resident from Inuvik was tested positive.[7] The next day, two residents in Yellowknife were tested positive for the virus. The total confirmed cases in the territory raised to eight.[8]
On October 24, it was reported that a Yellowknife resident working at the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine tested positive for COVID-19.[9] The total confirmed cases in the territory raised to nine.[10]
The first vaccine, of Moderna type, was administered in Yellowknife on December 31, 2020.[11]
2021
Beginning on May 4, 2021, Northwest Territories expanded its vaccine eligibility to 12 years and up.[12]
On June 9, 2021, the government announced reopening depending on vaccination rates with restrictions removed in the fall.[13][14] Mask requirements were lifted on June 28, 2021, for multiple cities.[15]
Chief Justice Louise Charbonneau said the judiciary could consider dismissing some charges due to 66 cases in a "massive" backlog of jury trials.[16]
A major outbreak occurred in mid to late August in the Sahtu Region after a hand games tournament in Fort Good Hope in early August. Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian Rangers were sent to help these communities.[17] The territory had its first COVID-19 fatality from this outbreak.[18] The territory is experiencing ongoing surge of cases.[citation needed]
The territory has been dealing with an Omicron-driven surge in cases since late-December 2021. A record-high active caseload of 527 was reported on January 6, 2022.[citation needed]