YELLOWKNIFE -- Schools in Yellowknife and surrounding areas are to reopen Monday after a six-week closure during a widespread outbreak of COVID-19 in the Northwest Territories.

Cases have declined in the territory after hitting a peak of 460 on Oct. 7, which was the highest per capita rate in the country.

Classrooms have been shuttered since Sept. 13 and the city has been under tight restrictions since then.

Dr. Kami Kandola, chief public health officer, says health measures can start to ease on Friday because residents have been following public health orders.

Businesses in the N.W.T. can also apply to increase their capacity if they agree to check people's vaccination status and only allow access to those who are fully immunized.

There are 238 active COVID-19 cases in the territory, mostly in Yellowknife, and nine people have died during the outbreak.

Kandola cautioned residents that while cases have declined, the virus is still spreading in the territory.

"There are still COVID exposures happening, so it is important to continue with some protective public health measures," she said.

"The N.W.T. is making progress in our fight against COVID-19 in our communities."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2021.