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Military called in to help N.W.T. as territory sees surge of COVID-19 cases

Aug 21, 2021 | 1:54 PM

Public Safety Canada says it has approved a request for help from the Northwest Territories as the territory deals with a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The territory says there are 198 active cases, with the majority of them occurring in the Sahtu region.

The Fort Good Hope area has been particularly hard-hit, with 86 active cases in a community of about 500.

The ministry says the Canadian Rangers will be providing assistance.

As a result of the rise in COVID-19 cases, Liberal incumbent Michael McLeod says his campaign is suspending in-person events and door-knocking.

Fort Good Hope Chief Tommy Kakfwi previously told The Canadian Press that the community had asked the N.W.T. government for help with policing to ensure residents comply with COVID-19 measures.

He also said Fort Good Hope requested GPS spot devices for people isolating out at their camps and in isolation spaces in town.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2021.

The Canadian Press