YELLOWKNIFE – The Northwest Territories said it would end all COVID-19 public health measures on Friday, including mandatory isolation for those who test positive for the virus.
In a press release, the territory’s health ministry said all restrictions imposed during the pandemic will become recommendations and residents can choose whether to continue to follow them.
But the government says businesses and organizations can still require masks.
NWT residents will not need to be quarantined upon return from travel or if they test positive for COVID-19, although the territory government still recommends that people stay home if sick.
People can still access COVID-19 testing but are not required to report positive results.
The government says its vaccination rate, 82% are fully vaccinated, puts the NWT in a position to end public health orders.
“However, the end of the public health emergency does not mean the end of COVID-19,” the statement said on Thursday.
“The Director of Public Health recommends that residents continue to follow public health guidance that has been shown to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
This Canadian Press report was first published on March 31, 2022.
