Police have been reporting house parties to NWT public health officials, who on Wednesday warned residents the enforcement of social distancing orders could be stepped up.
Chief public health officer Dr. Kami Kandola told reporters there are still too many instances of people not heeding health advisories and gathering in large groups.
Kandola said health authorities have received 85 complaints about violations of health guidelines, 58 complaints have been "closed" after warnings and education measures were given, 10 cases have been closed due to non-actionable information and 15 investigations are underway.
"For those who feel invincible: we’re receiving reports from the RCMP about house parties in crowded houses," she said. "This isn't the time for parties. This brings unnecessary danger to our communities.
"We’ve given warnings. We’ll always aim to educate first and then take actions. But nothing is off the table in enforcing compliance."
The CPHO said that an order banning all gatherings isn't out of the question and all options were being considered.
The level of enforcement would depend on the state of peoples' health.
"Enforcement of someone diagnosed with COVID and who is violating mandatory self-isolation looks very different from someone who isn't self-isolating but has no symptoms. Enforcement varies from low to moderate to high to very high in our risk assessment," Kandola said.
"Whether you're a 25-year-old marathon runner or a pensioner this virus can get you. We’re in this together. Stay socially connected while staying socially distant."
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The phone-in news conference was held minutes after news of the territory's second confirmed case of COVID-19 was released by Kandola's office.
She used the case of the infected Inuvik resident to reminded the public of the importance of following those public health advisories.
"(The individual who tested positive in Inuvik) followed all the directions of the chief public health officer," she said. "They had minimal contact with the outside world. They called the hospital for the test and went back into self-isolation after the test.
"(The person's) whole household is under mandatory self-isolation. This strict adherence to our advisories is an example for everyone to follow."
The identity of the individual is not being released to the public due to privacy concerns.