NWT launches 8-1-1 hotline for Covid-19 information
The Northwest Territories had so much fun launching 9-1-1, it’s doing it again. The territory now has an 8-1-1 number for help and information about Covid-19.
The NWT government launched the service on Friday, billing it as a one-stop shop for residents seeking advice about Covid-19 testing and enforcement.
Diane Thom, the health minister, said the line would “help unify our services under one portal and get our residents the help they need throughout this pandemic.”
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Calling 8-1-1 in the territory will now get you help regarding:
- travel, self-isolation, and regional self-isolation centres;
- enforcement (this is the number you now call to report something);
- whether or not you should contact your health centre for a Covid-19 test (offering an equivalent of the online self-assessment tool for those who can’t access it);
- which services are still available in your community; and
- other questions about Covid-19, including contact details for other services as needed.
The line will run from 8am until 8pm seven days a week. Calls about enforcement are the exception – they will be routed to on-call staff 24 hours a day.
“Interpretation services will be available for those who need it,” the NWT government said in a news release.
The territory says 8-1-1 isn’t a clinical advice line (don’t call it expecting to speak to a doctor) and it can’t help you with anything to do with pharmacies.
The old toll-free numbers formerly publicized by the NWT will still work, too. However, 8-1-1 will only work within the Northwest Territories.
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If you’re outside the territory and have questions about getting back in, call 1-833-378-8297.