COVID-19 detected in Yellowknife wastewater, some people asked to get tested

The government of the Northwest Territories says it has found COVID-19 in wastewater in Yellowknife. 

The N.W.T.'s chief public health officer, Dr. Kami Kondola, says this means there is likely an undetected case of COVID-19 in the capital. 

The virus was detected through a wastewater monitoring program, which analyzed samples taken between Nov. 30 and Dec. 2. 

As a result, the government is asking anyone self-isolating in Yellowknife since Nov. 30 to get a COVID-19 test, even if they don't have symptoms.

Essential workers who have been in Yellowknife since Nov. 30 should also get a test.

The N.W.T. currently requires anyone travelling to the territory to self-isolate for 14 days. 

Kondola says it's too early to assess risk to the public, as the case could be someone who is already self-isolating. 

There are currently no recorded active cases of COVID-19 in Yellowknife; 15 people who were previously infected have recovered. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2020

The Canadian Press