N.W.T. gathering restrictions extended, some communities back to in-school learning Jan. 24

The Office of Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has extended a territory-widetemporary gathering order to the end of the month, but has lifted a recommendation for at-home learning in some N.W.T. communities beginning Jan. 24.

The OCPHO announced the extension in press release Tuesday night, saying the current outbreak is expected to peak in the territory next week.

Extending the tighter gathering orders to Jan. 30"would allowmore time for COVID-19 numbers to decrease."

Household gatherings of more than 10 people, including no more than five people from outside the household, continue to be banned. So do "high risk" activities including dancing, singing, traditional games, swimmingand indoor sports. Restaurants, bars and lounges will continue to be restricted to sixpatrons per table, with no mingling of guests between tables.

The OCPHO is no longer recommendingat-home learning and work from home,beginning Jan 24inAklavik,Behchok, Delne,Fort Providence,Hay River, What, and in Yellowknife,Ndil and Dettah.

That's because the OCHPO expects cases have peaked in those communities, and are unlikely to bounce back.

Cases rising in Fort Smith and Inuvik

However, that's not thecase for Fort Smith and Inuvik, where the announcement indicates there have been significant increases in transmission and community spread.

There, the OCPHO recommends at-home learning continue, and that employers continue to accommodate employees working from home, where possible. As well, travel within and outside the territory is stillnot recommended for people in those communities.

The territory's daily case counts show there's beenone additional hospitalizationin the N.W.T. since Monday.