If members of the public feel unwell or are experiencing flu-like symptoms and feel they need immediate care they should call 911 instead of going to a health centre or the emergency department, NWT health authorities said Thursday.
The advisory comes as Health and Social Services confirmed Thursday morning there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in the territory and the risk of acquiring the virus is low.
People are advised not to show up at a health care facility and should call ahead if they plan to transport themselves, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority added.
A dedicated testing site for COVID-19 will be set up and the measures are to ensure those who are at highest risk have access to testing.
Yellowknife residents can call Public Health at (867) 767-9120 and nurses will help people through an intake questionnaire and give details on where to get tested.
Inuvik residents can call (867) 777-7246, people in Fort Smith can call (867) 872-6219 or (867) 872-6221 and people in Hay River can call (867) 874-7201.
To channel appropriate resources to response and preparedness for COVID-19, some health services will be reduced or curtailed.
Well child appointments will be offered only for vaccinations, vaccination appointments will be reviewed and triaged based on priority, the breastfeeding clinic will be rescheduled, in-school programming will be suspended until further notice, HPV programming for Grade 5 students will be suspended for the week of April 26 and will be rescheduled for June and regular appearances at community group sessions will be suspended.