Omicron confirmed in NWT, changes to isolation requirements for COVID-19 contacts

December 19, 2021
As anticipated, the Omicron variant of concern has been confirmed in the Northwest Territories.

The Omicron variant is quickly becoming the dominant COVID-19 strain across Canada, replacing the Delta variant.

• Public Exposure Notifications
• Isolating in place
• Return from travel – What to do for the first 72
• Masking
• Ventilation
• Symptoms
• Vaccination
• Attribution
• Relevant links
• Media Contact

Public Exposure Notifications

The following Public Exposure Notification has been updated to align with Omicron’s higher risk of transmissibility. Local public health has notified those seated in the affected rows to ensure they are assessed:

Exposure Location	Date(s)/Time range(s)	Required Action(s)
Westjet Flight WS280 Kelowna to Calgary Rows 23 – 29	December 13 6:00 AM – 8:07 AM	All passengers in affected rows must isolate regardless of vaccination status for 10 days (or a negative Day 8 test) if no symptoms. Arrange for laboratory testing on December 21, 2021. Follow the advice of public health on how to make an appointment.
Westjet Flight WS3359 Calgary to Yellowknife Rows 16 – 22	December 13 11:29 AM – 2:03 PM	All passengers in affected rows must isolate regardless of vaccination status for 10 days (or a negative Day 8 test) if no symptoms. Arrange for laboratory testing on December 21, 2021. Follow the advice of public health on how to make an appointment.

It is expected that the Omicron variant will soon become the dominant COVID-19 strain in the NWT. Starting today, the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is issuing the following isolation direction (See Medically Advised Isolation) to all contacts of those with COVID-19:

• All contacts must isolate regardless of vaccination status for 10 days (or a negative Day 8 test) if no symptoms.
• All contacts must be tested on Day 4 after exposure and again on Day 8 (after exposure). These tests must be laboratory tests (PCR tests) so please follow the advice of public health on how to make an appointment. See Testing.
• If a person who is a contact declines testing or is part of a household cluster of multiple COVID infections, they must follow the advice of local public health to end their isolation.

Isolating in place

It is important that people who have COVID-19 and their contacts isolate in place (where they are staying when notified) (See: Isolating Safely at Home). Any movement of persons who have COVID-19 increases the risk of transmission to the public and to communities. Most people will fully recover from COVID-19 at home. People recovering from COVID-19 at home should try to isolate away from others within the home, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, monitor for worsening symptoms, and follow healthcare provider advice. People with COVID-19 may need help with groceries or other supplies while recovering at home. They can’t leave home until told they can stop isolating. People with COVID-19 should not leave home without healthcare provider consent.

The appearance of the Omicron variant in the NWT is not a surprise. What we currently know about the Omicron variant is that is highly transmissible. We must ensure people are supported to isolate at home as much as possible in community settings.

We do not have confirmed evidence about the severity of Omicron infections. The high transmissibility rate has a potential to overwhelm hospitals and health care services due to high numbers of cases.

Return from travel – What to do for the first 72

The CPHO is recommending that residents returning from travel outside of the NWT be extremely diligent in monitoring for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infections especially within the first 72 hours (3 days) after their return.

This means that for the first 72 hours on return from travel you:

• limit contacts between your household and others;
• wear well-fitted and constructed masks in social settings, especially in indoor crowded settings;
• avoid high risk activities; and
• do not attend large gatherings.

These measures will protect your family, friends and NWT communities.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of travel and vaccination status should isolate immediately and arrange for testing.

Masking

It is important to continue to follow the mandatory masking order and ensure you are masking properly according to new guidance.

Ventilation

Health Canada has also updated guidance related to ventilation and its impact on decreasing indoor transmission.

Symptoms

It is also more important now to ensure you isolate away from others and arrange for testing at the first sign of symptoms. Omicron symptoms appear to present more like the common cold (runny nose; headache; fatigue; sneezing; and, sore throat) so please continue to be vigilant.

Vaccination

We do know that 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. The booster dose provides an increased level of protection. The CPHO continues to recommend that all residents not fully vaccinated reach out to their local health care provider to book a first, second or booster dose of the vaccine.

Attribution

All commentary is attributable to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories.

Relevant links

• Public Exposure Notifications
• Testing
• Mandatory Masking
• Understanding Isolation
• Isolating Safely at Home
• Updated Health Canada Guidance – Ventilation
• GNWT COVID-19 website
• Vaccination Bookings

Media Contact

COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
Covid_comms@gov.nt.ca

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