N.W.T. will extendstate of emergency and public health emergency

The Northwest Territories will extend both its territory-widestate of emergency and its public health emergency until May 12, according to a press release from the territorial government issued Tuesday.

N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochranewill use her powers as the minister of the Municipal and Community Affairs Department to extendthe state of emergency.

Health Minister Diane Thom will do the same for the territory's public health emergency.

Both acts were in effect until April 28, and will be further extended another two weeks due to the "continued need for response to the COVID-19 global pandemic," according to the release.

• Tightened N.W.T. border restrictions expected to be last of the COVID-19 orders, say officials
• Workers exempt from N.W.T. travel ban now face tighter supervision

The public health emergency was extended on the recommendation of the territory's chief public health officer, Dr. Kami Kandola, states the news release.

The state of emergency was first declared on March 24andannounced on March 27.