N.W.T. voluntary vaccine passport program set to launch Oct. 22, as COVID-19 cases trend downward

The N.W.T. government intends to launch a voluntary vaccine passport program on Oct. 22 that will allow non-essential businesses and organizations in Yellowknife, Dettah and Ndilǫ and Behchokǫ̀, including restaurants and bars, to have more people in their establishments.

"Non-essential businesses and organizations that choose to use it can increase capacity limits by verifying the vaccination status of their clients," said Dr. Kami Kandola, the N.W.T.'s chief public health officer, at a Thursday news conference. She described it as a "proof of vaccination program."

Customers will have to be fully vaccinated and show proof of that vaccination.

Premier Cochrane said proof could be shown with the old paper form the territory gave to residents when they got vaccinated, or the new digital version that was launched by the territorial government Tuesday.

Kandola said COVID-19 cases in the territory peaked last week and have trended downward since. The N.W.T. hit a peak of 460 active cases last Thursday. Yesterday, the territory reported 356 cases.

Kandola said she expects the trend to continue and, as long as it does, she will issue a territory-wide public health order on Oct. 22 outlining how the vaccine passport can be used by non-essential businesses and organizations to increase their capacity.

At the same time, a new N.W.T. public health order will come into effect limiting indoor gatherings to 25 people, and outdoor gatherings to 50. The proof of vaccine program would allow for gatherings of up to 100 indoors, and 200 outdoors.