COVID-19

  • COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

    • Respiratory droplets are generated through coughing or sneezing.

    • Close, prolonged personal contact such as touching or shaking hands.

    • Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

    • Adults aged 65 or older.

    • People with compromised immune systems from medical treatment, such as chemotherapy.

    • People with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

    • The health, safety, and well-being of our communities are the Northern Safety Associations’ top priority. As a result of the evolving situation involving COVID-19, the Northern Safety Association will be suspending the delivery of all health and safety training at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, however, we believe this is in the best interest of our communities.

    • The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer for the NWT has recommended that all travelers from outside of the territory self-isolate for 14 days. These efforts will contribute to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our territory. To determine the level of risk of exposure to COVID-19, complete WSCC's Risk Assessment and Worksite Precautions. This is a tool will help you identify what risks you need to eliminate or minimize and what steps you can take to protect workers.

  • Have Essential Supplies On-Hand

    • Non-perishable, easy to prepare food.

    • Specialized food relative to medical conditions (e.g. simple carbs to keep blood sugar steady for those with diabetes).

    • Pet food.

    • Toilet paper and tissue.

    • Hygiene products (feminine hygiene, diapers, wipes).

    • Soap, detergent, household cleaning products, garbage bags.

    Fill Prescription Medications

    • Refill your prescriptions now to ensure you are prepared if you become ill, and so you don’t need to leave your home during the peak of the outbreak.

    • Consider contacting your health care provider to renew your prescriptions ahead of time.

    • If you can’t get medications, consider ordering medications from reputable online pharmacies.

    • Have over-the-counter medication and supplies to treat fevers and other symptoms.

    Take Everyday Precautions

    • Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or having been in a public place.

    • Avoid touching surfaces in public places such as door handles, handrails, elevator buttons, and other high-traffic surfaces.

    • Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.

    • Practice routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in your home and workspace (e.g. handles, light switches, faucets, toilets, desks, computers, phones).

    • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

    • Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

    • Stay home when sick.

    Make a Plan

    • Speak with members of your family and household and determine the needs of each person.

    • Talk to your neighbors about emergency planning and maintain contact with them for information and resources.

    • Identify organizations in our community that can be contacted in the event that you need access to information, health care services, support, and resources.

    • Create an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbors, health care providers, teachers, employers, and community resources.

    Where can I get more information about COVID-19?

    • For more information about COVID-19, please refer to Health Canada, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO). For additional resources, please check out COVID-19 Tools.