One person was charged last week in the North Slave region after failing to properly follow self-isolation rules, according to the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

Spokesperson Mike Westwick  stated in an email that the charge was issued Aug. 13.

"The charge was issued after investigating information that an individual had tried to attend a gathering and a restaurant while required to self-isolate," states the news release.

"There is no indication the individual was exposed to COVID-19, and no reason to believe anyone else was."

It was not immediately clear which community the incident happened nor what restaurant.

Weswick added that there is no public health risk from the incident because the 14-day self-isolation period has passed since the incident occurred.

But the department views this incident as "particularly troubling."

"While it is crucial to avoid any kind of in-person socializing and public places while self-isolating, it is always particularly risky to go to places where you can expect to see many others," Westwick stated.

"Self-isolation works because you avoid others, and limit the chance of transmitting COVID-19. When gathering with others, there is always a risk of transmitting the virus to others, who may then pass it to additional people, causing a network of infections which could become very tough to control."
The update offered reminders about the need for self-isolation and avoidance of large gatherings to keep the pandemic from spreading.

He also notes that the department is continuing to investigate other gatherings that are not following public health orders.