Health officials declare COVID-19 outbreak at N.W.T. mine

Health officials have declared a COVID-19 outbreak at theGahcho KuMinein the Northwest Territories.

The territory'schief public health officer (CPHO) made the announcement through a media release Monday afternoon.

Terry Kruger, a spokesperson for themine's operator, De Beers Group Managed Operations, said there are four confirmed cases at the mine and anothereight people, deemed to beclose contacts, have to isolate.

An outbreak is declared at a worksite when there is confirmed transmission between at least two people.

Dr. Kami Kandola, the N.W.T. CPHO, said in the media release that there is no significant risk to the rest of the territory.

"Gahcho Ku has appropriate outbreak management plans and measures in place for their worksite," she said. "All personnel on site are fully vaccinated; this significantly increases protection against severe health outcomes from a COVID-19 infection."

But Kandola said anyonewho has left the work site since Dec. 22 is advised to isolate and reach out to public health to arrange for testing, if needed.

The N.W.T. has not released updated active COVID-19 numbers since Dec. 24, when there were 31active cases.

The Gahcho Kumine is approximately 280 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife.