COVID-19 Department of Health Services update

Last updated Friday, March 26, 2021

COVID-19 GN Update - March 26, 2021

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

Effective Monday March 29, travel in and out of Arviat will no longer require approval from the CPHO travel team. However, people still under isolation for exposure to COVID-19 are not allowed to travel until their isolation period is complete. It is very important that if you are still required to isolate you do for the full period. This will reduce the risk of further transmission of COVID-19. The community and health teams have worked hard to bring Arviat back to no active cases and if we are diligent, we can reduce the risk of additional cases. Anyone under isolation who breaks isolation, including travel out of the community, is subject to a fine under the Public Health Orders.

This week we surpassed the 50% mark of adults across the territory receiving their first dose of the vaccine. This is great news, but one dose is not enough. As second dose clinics roll out across the territory, I encourage those who received their first dose to get the second shot.

Those who missed their first dose can still call the health centre to make an appointment for the vaccine. It is not too late, and vaccine is available. Out of all the measures that keep us safe, the vaccine is the most effective, and our best protection against COVID-19.

As many know, the Kivalliq Inuit Association will be holding its election in Arviat next month. We will ensure that public health measures do not prevent these kinds of important activities from going forward. To assist elections during the pandemic, we have developed guidelines that will help organizers safely plan and hold elections.

I want to wrap up today on a lighter note. As many know, spring celebrations are right around the corner. To help with these celebrations, we have issued an order that designates the Honorary Toonik and Ollie the Musk Ox as providers of critical services; specifically, the delivery of springtime celebrations, fun and games. This order exempts these important figures from travel restrictions. They will also be allowed to enter dwellings to ensure children are behaving. They do have to practise social distancing.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to:https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

For the latest information on vaccine clinics in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination

COVID-19 case status: March 26

Total Tests	Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Deaths	Total persons followed	Current persons followed	Total vaccine doses administered
9785	395	0	391	4	7122	281	19669

*Confirmed cases include those meeting the national case definitions. Persons followed includes individuals with specific symptoms and exposures as well as others who are self-monitoring or self-isolated. Not all of these individuals have symptoms or require testing.

*There may be a delay reporting attribution and statistics from cases acquired in Southern Canada. 12 cases that were detected out of territory have been attributed to Nunavut. This includes 3 deaths. Not all NU residents with COVID-19 detected out of territory will be attributed to Nunavut.

COVID-19 vaccination status: March 26

First doses administered	Second doses administered	Total vaccine doses administered
12884	6785	19669

*Total vaccine administered is updated as regularly as possible, but might be lower than actual count.

COVID-19 community case statistics: March 26

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Deaths	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	339	339	0	1	336	0
Whale Cove	23	23	0	0	23	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	0	2	0
TOTAL	383	383	0	1	380	0

*Cases acquired out of territory are not reflected in the community case breakdown.

Testing stats to date per community: March 26

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	339	2716
Whale Cove	23	352
Rankin Inlet	19	399
Sanikiluaq	2	202
TOTAL	383	3669

Isolation population:

Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of March 25
Medical	341
Public	199
EMTI	39
Construction	16
Total	595

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
March 26, 2021	43
March 27, 2021	6
March 28, 2021	37
March 29, 2021	88
March 30, 2021	80
Total	254

Critical Worker Requests:

As of March 18, there were 13636 requests, 6735 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	10039	73.6%
Denied	301	2.2%
Pending	369	2.7%
Common Travel Area	2927	21.5%
Total	13636	100%

*Latest data is unavailable.

COVID-19 GN Update - March 19, 2021

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

Last week was the official one-year mark since Nunavut and the world began dealing with this pandemic. In that time, a lot has happened and I want to mention a few highlights.

Through effective public health measures, including isolation out of territory, we were able to delay the entry of COVID-19 into the territory. Those first eight months, were invaluable to our planning efforts, which paid off in several areas including:

Fast and efficient contact tracing and virus containment.
Improved testing capacity and speed.
Efficient rapid response and outbreak management.
A vaccine campaign that by April will have given 75% per cent of Nunavummiut who are 18 and older, an opportunity to receive their shot.

We all knew that preventing COVID-19 from ever entering the territory was not possible but limiting the number of communities that have had to deal with cases is a success.

As of this week, Nunavut received its latest shipment of vaccine allocation in phase one of the federal government’s roll out plan. Since December, 37,5000 doses of the vaccine, enough for 75% of the population have been delivered. As of this morning, 1,1584 Nunavummiut have received their first dose of the vaccine.

I must commend the hard work our teams have done rolling the vaccine out across the territory. By April, every community will have had at least their first dose clinics. For those communities that have completed their second dose clinics, there will be an ongoing opportunity for everyone to get vaccinated. Simply call the health centre.

Those who want the vaccine after the mass vaccine clinics are done will be put on a waitlist and called for an appointment. Due to the vaccine being packaged in 10-dose vials that are only good for 6 hours once punctured, appointments will be scheduled for 10 people at a time to avoid waste. Considering there is a global shortage of the vaccine, we have ethical responsibilities to ensure Nunavummiut are vaccinated as quickly as possible while minimising how much vaccine is wasted.

With the vaccine rollout well underway, many have inquired about what the effect will be on public health measures and when we can begin to see restrictions eased.

The vaccine is very effective and reduces the risk of severe infection and complications from COVID-19. Once all adults in Nunavut have had the opportunity to receive the vaccination, we can once again assess the risk. As in the past, the easing of restrictions will be done gradually to ensure it does not cause a significant risk to health.

Choosing to get the vaccine means that individually, and in time, collectively, we will no longer live with the fear, the harms and restrictions brought by the COVID-19 virus.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

For the latest information on vaccine clinics in Nunavut, go to:https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination

COVID-19 case status: March 19

Total Tests	Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Deaths	Total persons followed	Current persons followed	Total vaccine doses administered
9548	395	2	389	4	6997	382	17997

COVID-19 vaccination status: March 19

First doses administered	Second doses administered	Total vaccine doses administered
11584	6413	17997

*Total vaccine administered is updated as regularly as possible, but might be lower than actual count.

COVID-19 community case statistics: March 19

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Deaths	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	339	339	2	1	336	2
Whale Cove	23	23	0	0	23	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	0	2	0
TOTAL	383	383	2	1	380	2

*Cases acquired out of territory are not reflected in the community case breakdown.

Testing stats to date per community: Jan. 25

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	339	2657
Whale Cove	23	352
Rankin Inlet	19	399
Sanikiluaq	2	202
TOTAL	383	3610

Isolation population:

Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of March 18
Medical	297
Public	210
EMTI	48
Construction	22
Total	577

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
March 19, 2021	46
March 20, 2021	0
March 21, 2021	15
March 22, 2021	72
March 23, 2021	73
Total	226

Critical Worker Requests:

As of March 18 there were 13636 requests, 6735 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	100398	73.6%
Denied	301	2.2%
Pending	369	2.7%
Common Travel Area	2927	21.5%
Total	13636	100%

*Latest data is unavailable.

COVID-19 GN Update - January 25, 2021

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

I want to start off by stressing the importance of following public health measures. Keeping gatherings small, avoiding visiting multiple households, and limiting the number of households your visitors are from, reduces the risk that this virus will spread if someone catches it.

Current information suggests that the new cases of COVID-19 in Arviat are all linked to gatherings in homes. We have found no evidence of the infection coming from an outside location.

With multiple households now involved, we have had no choice but to increase public health restrictions. This means:

Air and land travel to and from Arviat is restricted. Anyone leaving or entering the community needs authorization from the CPHO.
All non-essential workplaces, including non-essential government offices, are closed until further notice.
There shall be no outdoor public gathering and nor public gatherings indoors.
Visitors to homes are restricted to five people plus the occupants for emergencies only.
Schools are closed.

We are also asking anyone who has travelled from Arviat since January 19 to self-monitor for symptoms for the next 14 days. We also ask these people to contact the health centre in the community they are in to help with contact tracing and monitoring.

Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms is asked to contact Nunavut’s COVID-19 hotline immediately for instructions. The number is 1-888-975-8601.

For the time being, restrictions in other communities will remain the same. However, we will be actively monitoring the situation and if we identify increased risk outside of Arviat we will consider changing restrictions in other communities. At this time, there have been no high-risk contacts identified who are outside of Arviat.

To help reduce the risk to other communities, medical travel from Arviat to Iqaluit and Rankin is suspended for the time being. Appointments that can be done virtually will be and those patients that require an appointment will be sent to Winnipeg. Medical travellers returning to Arviat from Southern Canada will be given the option to remain in isolation while the outbreak is being managed.

I urge everyone in Arviat to follow the restrictions even if you were recently vaccinated. It has been too soon since the vaccine was delivered in Arviat for those who received it to have developed the protection. It takes about two weeks before the first dose provides about 80% protection from developing serious infection. The second dose increases that percentage to 94%. We also do not yet know if the vaccine stops transmission.

Anyone 18 or over who missed the first vaccine clinic in Arviat can call the health centre to make an appointment.

I want to assure everyone that health staff are working hard to help contain this latest outbreak and I urge people to cooperate with contact tracing and isolation efforts. Rapid Response team members are assisting the eight nurses in the community both virtually and on the ground.

To conclude I want to announce three more vaccine clinics coming up in Naujaat, Kinngait, and Sanikiluaq.

Sanikiluaq will be held Feb. 8 and 9 at Paatsaali High School.

Naujaat will hold its clinic at Tusarvik School on February 15 and 16.

Kingait will hold its clinic at the Community Hall from February 22 to 24.

All clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call your health centre to make an appointment.

Additional clinic dates will be announced this week.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to:https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

Arviat Health centre

Health centre will continue to operate, but clients are asked to call before attending to ensure proper screening and physical distancing. Hours of operation are subject to change to meet operational staffing requirements.

Upcoming Community Vaccine Clinics

Elders’ Facility clinics in communities will be focused clinics with health staff going on site to administer the vaccine. Health staff will reach out to the Elder’s facilities directly for the vaccination times and dates.

Iqaluit Public Health Clinic 1

Location: Iqaluit Public Health, building 1091.
Priority group 1: Elders 65+ and shelter residents,
Priority group 2: frontline healthcare providers and first responders, medevac flight crews, residents and staff of group homes, the Akausisarvik Mental Health Treatment Centre, and residents and staff at correctional facilities.
Date (1st dose): Jan. 25-29.
Time: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Clinic type: by appointment.
Call 867-975-4810.

Iqaluit Hospital Clinic 2

Location: QGH clinic side.
Priority group 1: Elders 65+ and shelter residents
Priority group 2: frontline healthcare providers and first responders, medevac flight crews, residents and staff of group homes, the Akausisarvik Mental Health Treatment Centre, and residents and staff at correctional facilities.
Date (1st dose): Jan. 30.
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Clinic type: by appointment.
Call 867-975-4810.

Baker Lake

Location: Jonah Amitnaaq School.
Priority populations 45+ age group.
Date (1st Dose): January 25-27.
Time: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-793-2816.

Kugaaruk

Location: Arviligruaq Ilinniarvik school.l
Date (1st dose): February 4-5.
Time: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call: 867-769-6441.

Sanikiluaq

Location: Paatsaali High School.
Date (1st dose): February 8-9.
Time: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call: 867-226-8965.

Naujaat

Location: Tusarvik School.
Date (1st dose): February 15-16.
Time: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call: 867-462-9916.

Kingait

Location: Community Hall.
Date (1st dose): February 22-24.
Time: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call: 867-897-8820.

Igloolik

Location: Iglulik High School.
Date (2nd Dose): February 1-2.
Time: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: walk-in clinic.

Iqaluit Elder’s Home

Location: Elders Home.
Date (2nd Dose): February 3.

Gjoa Haven

Location: Qiqirtaq High School
Date (2nd Dose): February 8-9.
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-360-7441.

Whale Cove

Location: Inuglak School.
Date (2nd Dose): February 15-16.
Time: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-896-9916.

Rankin Inlet

Location: Singiituq Complex Community Hall.
Date (2nd Dose): February 15-18.
Time: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-645-8070.

Chesterfield Inlet

Location: Victor Sammurtok School.
Date (2nd Dose): February 19-20.
Time: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-898-9968.

Iqaluit Public Health Clinic 1

Location: Iqaluit Public Health, building 1091.
Priority populations 65+ age group and shelter residents.
Date (2nd dose): Pending.
Time: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Clinic type: by appointment.
Call 867-975-4810.

Iqaluit Hospital Clinic 2

Location: QGH clinic side.
Priority populations 65+ age group and shelter residents.
Date (2nd dose): Pending.
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Clinic type: by appointment.
Call 867-975-4810.

COVID-19 case status: Jan. 25

Total Tests	Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Deaths	Total persons followed	Current persons followed	Total vaccine doses administered
7382	282	17	264	1	6306	362	4458

*Total vaccine administered is updated as regularly as possible, but might be lower than actual count.

COVID-19 community case statistics: Jan. 25

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Deaths	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	236	238	2	1	220	17
Whale Cove	23	23	0	0	23	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	0	2	0
TOTAL	280	282	2	1	264	17

Testing stats to date per community: Jan. 25

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	238	1538
Whale Cove	23	304
Rankin Inlet	19	399
Sanikiluaq	2	202
TOTAL	282	2443

Isolation population:

Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Jan. 24
Medical	295
Public	335
EMTI	25
Construction	115
Total	770

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
Jan 23 2021	18
Jan 24 2021	26
Jan 25 2021	148
Jan 26 2021	34
Jan 27 2021	114
Total	340

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Jan. 13 there were 11010 requests, 5274 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	7481	67.9%
Denied	297	2.7%
Pending	328	3.0%
Common Travel Area	2904	26.4%
Total	11010	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - January 14, 2021

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

I would like to clarify the upcoming delivery schedule of the Moderna vaccine as new information has been confirmed. Deliveries of vaccine doses are expected today in Iqaluit and tomorrow in Rankin Inlet of 3000 doses each. Another 6000 doses are expected the week of February 1. That is in addition to the 6000 doses received in December. That means that by early February, Nunavut will have received 18,000 of the 37,500 doses of vaccine allocated to Nunavut.

We can now confirm additional clinic dates for Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, Chesterfield Inlet and Baker Lake.

Rankin Inlet’s clinic will be held from January 18 to January 21 at the community hall.

Whale Cove will hold its clinic on January 19 and 20 at Inuglak School.

Chesterfield Inlet will hold its clinics on January 22 and January 23 at Victor Sammurtok School.

Baker Lake will be holding priority population clinics from January 25 to January 27 at Jonah Amitnaaq School. Priority populations include elders aged 65 and over and healthcare staff. Depending on available vaccine, the eligible populations for clinics in Baker Lake might be expanded.

Most clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 8p.m. and appointments can be made by contacting your health centre. This information is also found on the GN’s website at www.gov.nu.ca.

We have decided to focus the next round of clinics on the Kivalliq Region for a number of reasons. The Kivalliq region is more reliant on travel south for medical travel than the other two regions. This means that the risks of exposure to COVID-19 for Kivallirmiut or introducing COVID-19 into the region are higher. The Kivalliq Region has also had active COVID-19 outbreaks.

Since this is our last scheduled press conference for the time being, future clinic dates will be announced by Public Service Announcement, through social media, local radio and on the government’s website.

In closing, I would like to take a moment to let the communities of Gjoa Haven and Igloolik know that their second dose clinics will be February 1 and 2 in Igloolik and February 8 and 9 in Gjoa Haven. Again, I want to reassure everyone that the vaccine is safe and I encourage Igloolik and Gjoa Haven residents to take advantage of the second clinics to get vaccinated.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

Upcoming Community Vaccine Clinics

Rankin Inlet

Location: Singiituq Complex Community Hall.
Date (1st Dose): January 18-21.
Date (2nd Dose): February 15-18.
Time: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-645-8070.

Iqaluit Public Health Clinic 1

Location: Iqaluit Public Health, building 1091.
Priority populations 65+ age group and shelter residents.
Date (1st Dose): January 18-22.
Date (2nd dose): Pending.
Time: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Clinic type: by appointment.
Call 867-975-4810.

Iqaluit Hospital Clinic 2

Location: QGH clinic side.
Priority populations 65+ age group and shelter residents.
Date (1st Dose): January 23.
Date (2nd dose): Pending.
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Clinic type: by appointment.
Call 867-975-4810.

Whale Cove

Location: Inuglak School.
Date (1st Dose): January 19-20.
Date (2nd Dose): February 15-16.
Time: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-896-9916.

Chesterfield Inlet

Location: Victor Sammurtok School.
Date (1st Dose): January 22-23.
Date (2nd Dose): February 19-20.
Time: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-898-9968.

Baker Lake

Location: Jonah Amitnaaq School.
Priority populations 65+ age group.
Date (1st Dose): January 25-27.
Time: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-793-2816.

Igloolik

Location: Iglulik High School.
Date (2nd Dose): February 1-2.
Time: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: walk-in clinic.

Iqaluit Elder’s Home

Location: Elders Home.
Date (2nd Dose): February 3.

Gjoa Haven

Location: Qiqirtaq High School
Date (2nd Dose): February 8-9.
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-360-7441.

COVID-19 case status: Jan. 14

Total Tests	Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Deaths	Total persons followed	Current persons followed	Total vaccine doses administered
6477	266	0	265	1	5999	328	521

*Total vaccine administered is updated as regularly as possible, but might be lower than actual count.

COVID-19 community case statistics: Jan. 14

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Deaths	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	222	222	0	1	221	0
Whale Cove	23	23	0	0	23	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	0	2	0
TOTAL	266	266	0	1	265	0

Testing stats to date per community: Jan. 14

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	222	1378
Whale Cove	23	294
Rankin Inlet	19	399
Sanikiluaq	2	202
TOTAL	266	2273

Isolation population:

Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Jan. 13
Medical	290
Public	507
EMTI	20
Construction	112
Total	929

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
Jan 14 2021	83
Jan 15 2021	24
Jan 16 2021	6
Jan 17 2021	10
Jan 18 2021	154
Total	281

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Jan. 13 there were 11010 requests, 5274 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	7481	67.9%
Denied	297	2.7%
Pending	328	3.0%
Common Travel Area	2904	26.4%
Total	10939	100%

*Latest data is unavailable.

COVID-19 GN Update - January 12, 2021

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

Yesterday, the first of our community vaccination clinics began in Igloolik and Gjoa Haven and another will start in Arviat and Cambridge Bay on Thursday. I commend the hard work health staff have done to organize and execute these clinics.

I want to recognize all Nunavummiut who have taken the opportunity to receive their vaccination. It is our best protection against COVID-19. Since announcing the vaccine’s arrival in Nunavut, we heard concerns from some communities regarding the safety of the vaccine. In response, we held community call in shows to give those who were hesitant a chance to ask questions. I want to thank all those who took the time to ask questions and learn about the vaccine so they are comfortable rolling up their sleeve.

I will tell everyone watching today the same thing I told Nunavummiut who called into those shows, the vaccine is safe and has been extensively tested. I can tell you between the vaccinations in those communities and at the long-term care centre in Iqaluit, we have not seen any serious adverse reactions.

Now that we know that a vaccine shipment of 6000 doses will arrive the week of February 15, we have moved ahead with additional clinic planning. On January 18 we will begin vaccinating priority groups in Iqaluit. Starting with elders 65 and over as well as anyone living in a shelter. We will be doing this by appointment. People in the priority grouping can call Iqaluit Public Health 867-975-4810 for an appointment. Clinics will be held at Iqaluit Public Health, building 1091, on Monday, January 18 to Friday, January 22 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Qikiqtani General Hospital clinics side Saturday, January 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I know other communities are eager to know when they will be scheduled for vaccination clinics and we plan to release additional clinic dates in the coming days.

It has been more than two weeks since the last active case was reported in Whale Cove and Arviat. Public health restrictions in both communities have been eased. We are not yet at a point that we can declare the outbreak over, but we do believe it is safe to resume some activities. This includes an increase in gathering sizes and a return to a combination of remote and in-school learning. Daycares can also open with enhanced cleaning protocols. I know some have expressed concerns at re-opening the schools at this point. This is understandable, however evidence shows that schools can open according to the safety protocols in place. Reducing the unintended consequences that COVID-19 restrictions can have, especially on young Nunavummiut and their learning is as important as following the public health measures that aim to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

Upcoming Community Vaccine Clinics

Igloolik mass clinic

Location: Igloolik High School.
Date (1st Dose): January 11 and 12.
Date (2nd Dose) February 8–9.
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: walk-in clinic.

Gjoa Haven mass clinic

Location: Qiqirtaq High School.
Date (1st Dose): January 11 and 12.
Date (2nd Dose): February 8–9.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-360-7441.

Arviat

Location: Community Hall.
Date (1st Dose): January 14 to 18 (excluding Sunday).
Date (2nd dose): Feb 11-15.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-857-3100.

Cambridge Bay mass clinic

Location: Cambridge Bay Community Hall.
Date (1st Dose): January 14 to 16 (inclusive).
Date (2nd Dose): February 11-13.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-983-4500.

Iqaluit Public Health Clinic 1

Location: Iqaluit Public Health, building 1091.
Date (1st Dose): January 18 to 22.
Date (2nd dose): Pending.
Time: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Clinic type: by appointment. By appointment, Elders 65+ and shelter residents only.
Call 867-975-4810.

Iqaluit Hospital Clinic 2

Location: QGH clinic side.
Date (1st Dose): Jan. 23.
Date (2nd dose): Pending.
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Clinic type: by appointment. By appointment, Elders 65+ and shelter residents only.
Call 867-975-4810.

Iqaluit Elder’s Home

Location: Elders Home.
Date (2nd Dose): February 3.

COVID-19 case status: Jan. 12

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Deaths	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
266	0	265	1	5925	361

COVID-19 community case statistics: Jan. 12

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Deaths	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	222	222	0	1	221	0
Whale Cove	23	23	0	0	23	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	0	2	0
TOTAL	266	266	0	1	265	0

Testing stats to date per community: Jan. 12

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	222	1329
Whale Cove	23	294
Rankin Inlet	19	399
Sanikiluaq	2	202
TOTAL	266	2224

Isolation population:

Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Jan. 11
Medical	151
Public	92
EMTI	7
Construction	17
620	267

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
Jan 12 2021	21
Jan 13 2021	60
Jan 14 2021	60
Jan 15 2021	22
Jan 16 2021	4
Total	167

Critical Worker Requests:

As of January 6, there were 10757 requests, 7231 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	7231	67.2%
Denied	294	2.7%
Pending	335	3.1%
Common Travel Area	2896	26.9%
Total	10756	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - January 7, 2021

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

Yesterday Nunavut administered its first vaccinations. Public Health nurses vaccinated 21 of the 28 residents and staff from the Elders’ Home. Another eight doses were administered to Iqaluit Public Health staff. Iqaluit Public Health reported that the vaccinations went well and there were no reported problems.

This is great news. This means the Elders’ facility in Iqaluit is one step closer to protection from COVID-19 and one step closer to their family and friends being able to visit without restriction or worry.

We are very excited to be extending opportunity to receive the vaccine to all adults in Igloolik, Gjoa Haven, Arviat and Cambridge Bay, beginning next week.

Additional clinics will be scheduled once the date and the number of doses for the next shipment are confirmed. This will allow us to provide Nunavummiut with set dates and locations for the next clinics and to adjust our strategy if for some reason we do not receive the amount of vaccines expected.

That is why we are focusing on getting as many people vaccinated with the doses we have, starting in communities with higher risks populations, such as elders’ facilities, communities where there is a greater risk of introducing and spreading COVID-19 both locally and in adjacent communities. Each clinic will give all adults and health care providers in those communities an opportunity to receive their vaccination.

We will keep Nunavummiut informed regarding the progress of our vaccine delivery, the schedules for each clinic and the number of vaccines that have been administered. I would also like to reassure Nunavummiut that the Moderna vaccine is safe. I know that there are a lot of rumours that create confusion, but the only firm reason not to take this vaccine is if you have an allergy to one of the ingredients. If you have had TB, or cancer, the vaccine is still safe and appropriate.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to:https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

Upcoming Community Vaccine Clinics

Arviat (change of location)

Location: Community Hall.
Date (1st Dose): January 14 to 18 (excluding Sunday).
Date (2nd dose) Feb 11-15.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Appointment system: Yes.
Call 867-857-3100

Iqaluit Elder’s Home

Location: Elders Home.
Date (1st Dose): January 6.
Date (2nd Dose): February 3.

Igloolik mass clinic

Location: Igloolik High School.
Date (1st Dose): January 11 and 12.
Date (2nd Dose) February 8–9.
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: walk-in clinic.
Call 867-934-2100.

Gjoa Haven mass clinic

Location: Qiqirtaq High School.
Date (1st Dose): January 11 and 12.
Date (2nd Dose) February 8–9.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-360-7441.

Cambridge Bay mass clinic

Location: site to be determined
Date (1st Dose): January 14 to 16 (inclusive).
Date (2nd Dose): February 11-13.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-983-4500.

COVID-19 case status: Jan. 7

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Deaths	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
266	0	265	1	5847	388

COVID-19 community case statistics: Jan. 7

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Deaths	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	222	222	0	1	221	0
Whale Cove	23	23	0	0	23	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	0	2	0
TOTAL	266	266	0	1	265	0

Testing stats to date per community: Jan. 7

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	222	1274
Whale Cove	23	289
Rankin Inlet	19	399
Sanikiluaq	2	202
TOTAL	266	2164

Isolation population:

Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Jan. 04
Medical	167
Public	377
EMTI	13
Construction	63
620	481

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
Jan 07 2021	52
Jan 08 2021	11
Jan 09 2021	7
Jan 10 2021	4
Jan 11 2021	0
Total	74

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Jan.7 there were 10757 requests, 7231 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	7231	67.2%
Denied	294	2.7%
Pending	335	3.1%
Common Travel Area	2896	26.9%
Total	10756	100%

Nunavummiut’s health is our shared responsibility! Remember: wash your hands and surfaces, practice social distancing, listen to the advice of health officials, and stay home if you’re sick.

COVID-19 GN Update - January 5, 2021

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

Last week, Nunavut received its first vaccine shipments. On December 30, 3000 doses of the Moderna vaccine were shipped to Iqaluit and another 3000 to Rankin Inlet. This is a major milestone along Nunavut's Path and one that we are excited about. Immunization is voluntary, but I do encourage as many eligible Nunavummiut as possible take the vaccine. It is currently the best protection Nunavummiut can have against COVID-19.

The Moderna vaccine requires two doses be administered between 28 and 30 days apart. The initial 6000 doses of the vaccine will allow us to begin immunization of 3,000 Nunavummiut. This will ensure that the necessary doses are available if the second shipment of vaccine expected later this month, is delayed.

Our roll-out strategy combines focused vaccinations and community-wide clinics. Focused vaccinations will have nurses go into Elders facilities to provide the immunizations, while community clinics will be held as either walk-in clinics or by appointment depending on the community. Front line staff working in Elders facilities will also receive the vaccine. Nurses from the health centre with assistance from a team of contract nurses will administer the vaccinations.

Immunizations will begin this week at the Elders' facility in Iqaluit, on January 6.

The week of January 11, appointment-based community-wide immunization clinics and focused vaccinations in Elders facilities will start in Gjoa Haven, Igloolik, Arviat and Cambridge Bay. Gjoa Haven and Igloolik are scheduled for January 11 and 12. Arviat is scheduled for January 14 to 18 excluding Sunday. Cambridge Bay will be January 14 to 16 inclusively. Residents in those communities are asked to call their respective health centre to book an appointment.

Arviat's timing is because the nurses who conduct the clinics there may have to isolate for 14 days after they leave due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Community-wide clinics will for the most part be held at facilities such as school gymnasiums and community halls, with protocols to ensure physical distancing, proper use of masks and other PPE and enhanced cleaning protocols. Health staff have engaged with community partners in Gjoa Haven, Igloolik, Arviat and Cambridge Bay to ensure the protocols are implemented.

Additional clinics will be held based on the number of doses we will receive from future federal government shipments and on the number of remaining doses from previous clinics. Nunavut should receive enough vaccines between now and the end of march to vaccinate 75% of the adult population, approximately 19,000 people.

I know there have been concerns raised about the vaccine, but I assure everyone it is safe. mRNA vaccines, such as Moderna, have been under development for more than 20 years. The clinical trials for Moderna alone had 30,000 participants from a broad range of population types, including Elders and those with underlying health conditions. It cannot give you COVID-19 and the side-affects are what you would expect from any other vaccine. If you are unsure if you should take the vaccine, please reach out to the health centre for guidance.

The vaccine is 94% effective at preventing COVID-19 or preventing serious infection due to COVID-19.

Currently, the Moderna vaccine is not approved for anyone under the age of 18 but clinical trials are underway. We will keep Nunavummiut informed of any new vaccine developments in the coming weeks and months. For more information regarding vaccines and upcoming clinics, go to the Government of Nunavut website and visit the health department’s COVID-19 vaccination page. For general vaccine information, Nunavummiut can also contact the COVID-19 hotline and select the option to speak to a nurse.

I would also like to speak to the progress the territory has made in the past weeks to stop the spread of COVID-19. As of December 30, the outbreak in Rankin Inlet is over and restrictions in that community have eased. While the outbreaks in both Whale Cove and Arviat are still active, we currently have no active cases. I encourage Nunavummiut to continue following the public health orders to help us keep the numbers trending in the right direction.

Finally, I want to recognize all the people in the Government of Nunavut who spent the time over the Holiday Closure working to ensure the safe delivery and storage of the vaccine, organizing clinics, managing the ongoing outbreaks and making sure everyone stayed informed. Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

Upcoming Community Vaccine Clinics

Iqaluit Elder’s Home

Location: Elders Home.
Date (1st Dose): January 6.
Date (2nd Dose): February 3.

Igloolik mass clinic

Location: Igloolik High School.
Date (1st Dose): January 11 and 12.
Date (2nd Dose) February 8–9.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-934-2100.

Gjoa Haven mass clinic

Location: Qiqirtaq High School.
Date (1st Dose): January 11 and 12.
Date (2nd Dose) February 8–9.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-360-7441.

Arviat mass clinic

Location: Qitiqliq School.
Date (1st Dose): January 14 to 18 (excluding Sunday).
Date (2nd dose) February 11-15.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-850-3100.

Cambridge Bay mass clinic

Location: site to be determined
Date (1st Dose): January 14 to 16 (inclusive).
Date (2nd Dose): February 11-13.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call 867-983-4500.

COVID-19 case status: Jan. 5

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Deaths	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
266	0	265	1	5738	431

COVID-19 community case statistics: Jan. 5

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Deaths	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	222	222	0	1	221	0
Whale Cove	23	23	0	0	23	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	0	2	0
TOTAL	266	266	0	1	265	0

Testing stats to date per community: Jan. 5

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	222	1450
Whale Cove	23	266
Rankin Inlet	19	390
Sanikiluaq	2	202
TOTAL	266	2308

Isolation population:

Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Jan. 04
Medical	157
Public	281
EMTI	9
Total	481

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
Jan 05 2021	12
Jan 06 2021	39
Jan 07 2021	54
Jan 08 2021	10
Jan 09 2021	3
Total	118

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Jan.5 there were 10623 requests, 5075 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	7138	67.0%
Denied	294	2.8%
Pending	294	2.8%
Common Travel Area	2896	30%
Total	10622	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - December 18, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

Today, I am happy to announce that the outbreak in Sanikiluaq is officially over. This is good news, and both the community, and the health staff deserve recognition for getting to this point.

That being said, I urge everyone in Sanikiluaq and across the territory to continue to be diligent about following the public health measures. This will be especially important as we head into the Christmas season when gatherings become more common.

After assessing the outbreak situation in Arviat and considering that there are still people in isolation in Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, I have decided that it is not yet time to loosen the Public Health restrictions. Current measures in all communities will remain the same until further notice.

As we move into the holidays, we are eagerly awaiting the first shipment of vaccine to come to Nunavut. It is expected that Canada will approve the Moderna vaccine for use in the coming days and the federal government has indicated we should expect to receive doses soon after that.

We don’t yet know when shipments of vaccine will come or how much of the vaccine those shipments will include, however, we have several rollout scenarios planned, and they will be deployed depending on when and how much vaccine we receive.

I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the vaccine is safe. It has undergone all necessary trials, has been tested on 30,000 people and will provide Nunavummiut who take it protection from the virus.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Government-wide Holiday Closures

All Government of Nunavut (GN) offices will be closed from December 24 to January 3 with the exception of designated facilities that must stay open.

GN services will be provided according to the public health measures in place and could change suddenly.

Health

Qikiqtani General Hospital will remain open with full services except outpatient rehabilitation.
Home Care routine services will be closed on the statutory holidays, but will be available for emergencies.
- Please note some home care services in the Kivalliq are suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Outpatient primary care clinics will be closed on December 25, 28 and January 1, but open all other days.
Community health centres will be open, however, urgent and emergency services are available for care provision through on-call services with the following core services maintained:
- Emergent/urgent care, sick clinic, and booked appointments for at-risk clients will continue to be provided.
- Well-child and prenatal clinics will function at full capacity.
- Routine chronic disease and well-woman/well-man clinics will be suspended during this period to allow for increased acute care services.
Mental health nurses and consultants will work at full capacity.
Public Health Nurses, regional communicable disease coordinators, TB coordinators, midwives, community health representatives and support staff will work at full capacity.
Laboratory and diagnostic imaging services remain open and operational. Collection of specimens and diagnostic images will be accessible 24/7 for all emergency and routine issues. COVID-19 swabs will remain an urgent priority and all transport measures will remain in place over the closures. Routine collection of lab work will be suspended during this period.
- medical travel services will continue as normal.
- Cambridge Bay mental health facility:
  - Mental Health Nurses and consultants will function at full capacity
  - Mental Health and Addictions paraprofessional staff will be off but available to be called in at the discretion of the mental health nurse.
- Akausisarvik Mental Health Facility in Iqaluit will function at full capacity.
- Boarding homes will operate as normal:
  - Churchill – Iglualuk Boarding Home.
  - Edmonton – Larga House.
  - Iqaluit – Tammattaavik Boarding Home.
  - Ottawa – Larga House Baffin.
  - Winnipeg – Kivalliq Inuit Centre.
  - Yellowknife – Larga Kitikmeot Boarding Home.

Family Services

Family Services Offices will have on call services available.
Income Assistance Offices will have on call services available.
Career Development Division will have on call services available.

Community and Government Services

The following Community and Government Services divisions are available on an emergency basis:
- Safety Services Division (Office of the Fire Marshal, chief electrical inspector, chief building inspector and chief boiler inspector).
- Facilities Management Division.
- Emergency Management Office.

Economic Development and Transportation

Nunavut airports will be open.

Education

Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS) office is on call for travel emergencies at 867-857-6950.

Finance

The Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NULC) will continue to sell low alcohol content products (beer, wine, cider, coolers) through the Iqaluit NULC store during the holiday closures, with reduced hours.
The NULC store will be closed from December 24 to the 28, reopening on the 29 and 30 from 1 to 6 p.m. and December 31 from 12 to 4 p.m. The store will be closed on January 1, 2021 and will resume normal business hours on January 2, 2021.
Liquor import permits and community orders will not be processed from December 24 to January 3. Customers who are planning to import liquor during this time are encouraged to purchase a permit by December 23 from one of the following locations:
Iqaluit NULC store
In person:

Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. ET.
Tuesday to Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. ET.
By phone call 867-975-6869.
Rankin Inlet
By phone call 867-645-8575 or 855-844-5488 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. CT.
Cambridge Bay
By phone call 867-983-4048 on Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT.
Kugluktuk
By phone call 867-982-6509 or email @email.
Please note that the Kugluktuk office will only process permits from within the community.

Human Resources

The Employee and Family Assistance Program will be available over the holiday season. Employees and their families can call the toll-free number 1-800-663-1142 for personal counselling in all of Nunavut’s official languages or visit https://homewoodhealth.com.
During the GN holiday closure, @email will be monitored for emergencies only.

Justice

Legal Registries will remain open.
All correctional facilities will remain open:
- Baffin Correctional Centre and Makigiarvik Correction Centre.
- Rankin Inlet Healing Facility.
- Kugluktuk Ilavut Centre.
- Uttaqivik Community Residential Centre.
- Nunavut Women’s Correctional Centre.
- Isumaqsunngittukkuvik Youth Facility.
Community Justice Offices will be closed but Emergency Protection Orders are available by calling 1-844-534-1038 or by calling the local RCMP detachment for assistance.
The Office of Public Guardian and Trustee will be closed but can be reached at 867-222-1805 for emergencies only.
Community Corrections Officers will be available on call. The on-call schedule is as follows:

December 23 to 26	867-222-5271
December 26 to 29	867-222-0390
December 29 to 31	867-975-1616
December 31 to January 2	867-222-5271
January 2 to 4	867-899-1380

Environment:

Emergency spill response is available 24 hours a day at 867-920-8130.
Emergency wildlife response is available 24 hours a day at 867-222-0167.

Qulliq Energy Corporation

Qulliq Energy Corporation offices will be open during the GN’s holiday closure days (December 24, 29, 30 and 31), but closed during the statutory holidays (December 25, 28 and January 1).

Nunavut Housing Corporation

Emergency contact number for Iqaluit staff housing: 867-877-4118. Do not send text messages.

Nunavut Arctic College:

The following NAC buildings will remain open until December 24:

Kivalliq Hall Offices – Rankin Inlet*
*Single unit student residences in Kivalliq Hall will close on December 18.
Sanatuliqsarvik, Trades Training Centre – Rankin Inlet.
Nunatta Main Campus – Iqalui.t
Kitikmeot Campus – Cambridge Bay.

The following NAC Buildings will remain open (for students) during the closure:

Family Housing Units - Cambridge Bay.
Family Housing Units - Rankin Inlet.
Family Housing Units and Student Residence (Old Nova Building) – Iqaluit.

More contact information can be found at: www.gov.nu.ca.

All GN offices will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2020 for regular business. Happy Holidays!

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case status: Dec. 18

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
259	34	225	5478	631

COVID-19 community case statistics: Dec. 18

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	217	217	0	183	34
Whale Cove	21	21	0	21	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	2	0
TOTAL	259	259	0	225	34

Testing stats to date per community: Dec. 18

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	217	992
Whale Cove	21	175
Rankin Inlet	19	277
Sanikiluaq	2	201
TOTAL	259	1645

Isolation population:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Dec. 17
Medical	282
Public	136
emti	8
Total	426

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
18-Dec	31
19-Dec	8
20-Dec	14
21-Dec	86
22-Dec	34
Total	173

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Dec.17 there were 10214 requests, 4808 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6839	67.0%
Denied	286	2.8%
Pending	224	2.2%
Common Travel Area	2865	28%
Total	10214	100%

Nunavummiut’s health is our shared responsibility! Remember: wash your hands and surfaces, practice social distancing, listen to the advice of health officials, and stay home if you’re sick.

COVID-19 GN Update - December 14, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning. Last week we announced that Nunavut will be receiving the Moderna vaccine in the first quarter of 2021. The vaccine is currently in the process of receiving approval from Health Canada. The territory will receive enough doses to vaccinate 75% of its adult population.

As we prepare for its arrival, I want to take this opportunity to talk a bit about the vaccine’s development, the timeline for its arrival in the territory and our preparations to ensure that once in territory, it is administered safely and timely, to all Nunavummiut.

People have asked me if the vaccine is safe. It is. I say that because of the rigorous work that has gone into its development. mRNA vaccines in general have been under development for more than twenty years. The clinical trials for Moderna alone had 30,000 participants from a broad range of population types.

Canada also has a very thorough vaccine approval process that will ensure the vaccine’s safety.

Usually, we wait months in-between development steps for more funding or resources, which slows down the process. The type of global cooperation we have witnessed, the massive efforts deployed to bring in the financial, human and technological resources needed, allowed many steps of the vaccine production to happen at the same time, while ensuring its safety, every step of the way.

Our planning for the vaccine’s distribution is underway and work has already been done to prepare for the vaccine’s arrival. Supplies such as syringes, needles, alcohol swabs and other items required for administering the vaccine are already in territory.

Two, medical-grade freezers supplied by the Public Health Agency of Canada arrived over the weekend and will help increase our storage capacity in both Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet.

While we know that in the first three months of 2021 we will be receiving enough to vaccinate 75% of the adult population, we do not know how the deliveries will be scheduled. With that in mind we are developing plans based on a variety of scenarios. For example, if we receive a small number of doses at the beginning of January and we don't know how many doses will come in February or when, we will be taking a very focused approach, by first vaccinating those at highest risk of complications from COVID-19.

In a situation where we have limited supply at first, elders' centres, long-term care residents, and the staff working with them, will receive the vaccine first. On the other hand, if we receive enough vaccines in January, we might look at mass immunization clinics, with the aim of vaccinating as many adults as possible.

Regardless of the strategy, by the end of March we will have received enough vaccines for 75% of adults in Nunavut. The key for us, like Nunavut's Path, is to be flexible and plan for a variety of circumstances.

Throughout this process, it is important to remember that Nunavut’s realities require a tailored approach and extensive experience with delivering and administering vaccines in a Northern context.

Our health staff has this experience and understands the challenges we face. This is not the first time we had to work quickly and safely in unique conditions. Every year, vaccination campaigns across the territory come with their number of logistical challenges. During the H1N1 pandemic, our teams were capable to plan and deploy timely vaccination campaigns across the territory. This vaccination campaign is no exception.

Finally, I would like to ask Nunavummiut to be patient and most importantly to use trusted sources of information when learning about the vaccine and any other new public health initiative. I understand that some of this information is new, but not so long ago so was COVID-19, and yet collectively, by using science-based facts and information from trusted sources, we have come a long way in understanding the virus and taking the necessary precautions to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case status: Dec. 14

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
256	49	207	5377	642

COVID-19 community case statistics: Dec. 14

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	205	214	9	165	49
Whale Cove	21	21	0	21	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	2	0
TOTAL	247	256	9	207	49

Testing stats to date per community: Dec. 14

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	214	899
Whale Cove	21	144
Rankin Inlet	19	251
Sanikiluaq	2	189
TOTAL	256	1483

Isolation population: 205

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Dec. 13
Medical	184
Public	321
emti	8
Total	513

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
12-Dec	4
13-Dec	0
14-Dec	65
15-Dec	18
16-Dec	71
Total	161

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Dec.11 there were 10043 requests, 4719 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6472	67.1%
Denied	285	2.6%
Pending	323	2.3%
Common Travel Area	2784	27.7%
Total	10043	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - December 11, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning. This week, the federal government announced approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. As previously mentioned, the Pfizer vaccine’s storage and transport requirements such as the vaccine’s cold chain storage requirement of -80° Celsius, and it’s sensitivity to transport, do not make it an appropriate choice for Nunavut.

Nunavut is waiting for the final approval of the Moderna vaccine. Once approved, the delivery of the vaccine can begin. We expect that in the first 3 months of 2021 Nunavut will receive enough doses to vaccinate 75% of adults living in the territory. The delivery of the vaccine will take into account the unique realities of our territory while ensuring that highest-risk individuals, such as clients and caregivers in long-term care and elders’ centres, for example, are given priority when it comes to vaccine distribution. The details of delivery will depend on the timing of deliveries. Highest priority will be placed on those who are 65 and over, residents of care facilities, the staff who serve those facilities and front-line health care providers. These priorities are consistent with national recommendations on who should be considered highest priority for vaccination. After the high priority groups have received the vaccine, we will make it available to all Nunavummiut who are 18 and older, but to be clear, the exact timing of this will depend on the rate and timing of delivery to Nunavut.

On Monday, I talked about the rapid testing program that began at the Winnipeg isolation hubs on Wednesday. Today, I will share another initiative that is underway to help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 while reducing the stress that can be caused by current isolation requirements.

The Expedited Medical Travel Isolation (EMTI) program will allow medical travellers attending certain low-risk medical appointments in Southern Canada, to isolate immediately upon their arrival and return home within seven days of leaving Nunavut.

The program requires the medical traveller to:

Stay at a Government of Nunavut Isolation site before and after their appointments.
Use Government of Nunavut provided transportation for all medical appointments and for travel to and from the airport.
Not visit locations other than the isolation site, scheduled appointments, and the airport.
Wear appropriate PPE during travel and appointment visits.
Follow all isolation requirements for the duration of their stay.
Adhere to all return travel requirements in place at the isolation sites.
Participants who do not follow these rules will be removed from the program and will have to complete a full 14 days of isolation before returning home.

This is not an opt-in program. The Department of Health staff and the office of the Office of the CPHO, assess the eligibility of appointments based on treatment and procedure types. Travellers whose appointments are approved for this program will be notified by their health centre.

Currently, up to 10 people a week have travelled on this program since it began in November. With case counts rising in the south, it is an effective way to help reduce the chance medical travellers will be exposed to COVID-19.

Finally, I want to say ‘ma’na’ to the communities of Arviat, Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet. The past month has not been easy for the people of these communities and the Kivalliq region as a whole. While there is still work to be done to break transmission in Arviat, I thank everyone who has cooperated with public health measures. It is those efforts that will help us get through this.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case status: Dec. 11

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
229	56	147	5339	648

COVID-19 community case statistics: Dec. 11

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	187	203	16	147	56
Whale Cove	21	21	0	21	0
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	2	0
TOTAL	229	245	16	189	56

Testing stats to date per community: Dec. 11

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	203	812
Whale Cove	21	144
Rankin Inlet	19	251
Sanikiluaq	2	189
TOTAL	245	1396

Isolation population:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Dec. 10
Medical	320
Public	258
EMTI	3
Total	581

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
11-Dec	1
12-Dec	9
13-Dec	70
14-Dec	18
15-Dec	67
Total	165

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Dec.10, there were 10043 requests, 4719 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6742	67.1%
Denied	285	2.8%
Pending	232	2.3%
Common Travel Area	2784	27.7%
Total	10043	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - December 7, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

This week, through an aid agreement between the Federal Government and the Red Cross, we will be starting rapid testing in the Winnipeg isolation hubs to add an extra layer of protection to the isolation process.

In Winnipeg, the Red Cross will be using the Panbio rapid testing device that can deliver results in as little as 15 minutes. Guests will be tested upon entry into the hub, on day five, and just before departure, on day 12.

Panbio is an antigen test, which looks for virus proteins to identify the virus. A positive test on the Panbio will result in a second swab being sent to a laboratory for confirmatory testing. Anyone who tests positive on the Panbio device will be isolated in their rooms. If the laboratory test confirms the positive result, the guest will remain in isolation for at least 10 days from when the test was collected. Testing will not shorten isolation.

Currently, the testing will be voluntary. Anyone who does not wish to take the test will follow the regular 14-day isolation period. I strongly encourage people to participate as it will help reduce the risk of bringing COVID-19 to the territory and provide additional protection for our families and community.

It is extremely important to follow the rules at the isolation hubs. If isolation is done properly, meaning the rules are followed, the 14-day isolation is an effective tool to reduce the risk of transmission. Testing will increase that effectiveness, but as mentioned before, nothing is perfect.

Wearing a mask, physical distancing, washing your hands and staying in your room as much as possible are emphasized at the hubs for this reason.

Testing in the isolation hub coincides with the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the rest of Canada. As active case counts in the rest of the country continue to rise, it is important that we add additional measures to reduce the risk to Nunavummiut.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case status: Dec. 7

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
219	51	168	5190	688

COVID-19 community case statistics: Dec. 7

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	174	177	3	128	49
Whale Cove	21	21	0	19	2
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	2	0
TOTAL	216	219	3	168	51

Testing stats to date per community: Dec. 7

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	177	729
Whale Cove	21	137
Rankin Inlet	19	237
Sanikiluaq	2	189
TOTAL	219	1292

Isolation population:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Dec. 6
Medical	184
Public	213
Total	397

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
05-Dec	1
06-Dec	9
07-Dec	70
08-Dec	18
09-Dec	67
Total	165

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Dec. 4, there were 9798 requests, 4584 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6475	66.1%
Denied	281	2.9%
Pending	324	3.3%
Common Travel Area	2718	27.7%
Total	9798	100%

Adjusted services:

Kivalliq Specialist Clinics

Doctors	Community	Closure	Update
Dr. Goulet Internal Medicine	Rankin/What Cove		Postponed until January 24th
Dr. James Obstetrics & Gynecology	Coral Harbour	Dec. 7-10	Postponed until January (dates pending)
Dr. Hildes-Ripstein		Dec. 7-10	Will provide follow up by phone. Dr. Leroux will assist with physical exams when required
Dr. Newman	Coral Harbour	Dec. 14-17	Proceeding as planned
Dr. Hill	Baker Lake	Dec. 6-10	Will be provided virtually
Dr. Thorington	Naujaat	Dec. 7-16	Postponed, but will follow up with nurses to review cases

COVID-19 GN Update - December 4, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning. Over the past week, we have seen more people recovering from COVID-19. Currently, all the active cases we identified in Rankin Inlet and Sanikiluaq have recovered. This is good news. It means we are moving in the right direction and we can be optimistic. This does not mean that can relax on the public health measures and it does not mean the outbreaks are over.

In Sanikiluaq, we have cleared everyone from isolation. If there are no new cases in Sanikiluaq, the outbreak will be over in about 2 weeks. In Rankin Inlet, there are people who will be in isolation for at least another 10 days. It will take nearly a month, assuming there are no new cases of COVID-19, to declare the outbreak in Rankin Inlet over. Whale Cove has 7 active cases, with no new cases for several days.

In Arviat, there has been progress, but there continues to be evidence of community transmission. I know it has been difficult for Arviammiut and we thank everyone for their cooperation. It is very important that we continue to follow the public health measures so we can stop the spread of the virus in the community. I urge people to stay isolated if you have been told by public health to isolate. It is important to stay in isolation until public health staff tell you it is safe to leave.

Again, I know isolation can be stressful, and there is support available. The Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre has Inuit traditional counsellors available to Kivalliq residents from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday by calling 1-844-654-3580. You can also contact the Kamatsiaqtut Help Line at 1-867-979-3333 or Toll-free at 1-800-265-3333.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case status: Dec. 4

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
206	51	155	5122	752

COVID-19 community case statistics: Dec. 4

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	156	164	8	120	44
Whale Cove	21	21	0	14	7
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	2	0
TOTAL	198	206	8	155	51

Testing stats to date per community: Dec. 4

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	164	678
Whale Cove	21	125
Rankin Inlet	19	226
Sanikiluaq	2	184
TOTAL	206	1213

Isolation population:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Dec. 3
Medical	294
Public	208
Total	502

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
04-Dec	46
05-Dec	1
06-Dec	4
07-Dec	71
08-Dec	22
Total	144

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Dec. 3 there were 9798 requests, 4584 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6475	66.1%
Denied	281	2.9%
Pending	324	3.3%
Common Travel Area	2718	27.7%
Total	9798	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - December 2, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning. First, I want to take a moment and address the measures still in effect in Arviat. For the time being, the public health restrictions in the community remain the same as in the past two weeks, in order to stop community transmission. Masks are mandatory in all public spaces. Outdoor gatherings should not be more than 5 people. There should not be any visiting in other people’s homes or cabins. Travel out of Arviat is still restricted.

I know that it is a difficult time as the strict measures continue, but please understand it is not meant to punish the people of Arviat, this is the best way to break community transmission and the fastest way to eventually loosen the restrictions.

I want to add, that after review of the latest public health information available, masks in both Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet will continue to be mandatory. Moving forward, all communities with active COVID-19 masks will be mandatory.

Today, I also want to address questions around the length of isolation in homes where there is household transmission.

The isolation period for people who test positive for COVID-19 is 10 days from the moment they receive a positive test or from the moment they develop symptoms- whichever comes first. After the 10 days, the person is no longer considered infectious and is cleared by public health.

High-risk contacts – including people who live in the same house as the positive person - have a high risk of exposure and must isolate immediately after a household member has tested positive in order to prevent community transmission. They must also remain in isolation for an additional 14 days after the last person who tested positive in their household has stopped being infectious.

This is because exposure to the virus can happen anytime between the moment a household member tests positive and the following 10 days of their isolation period.

It's also important to note, that the risk of household transmission can be reduced by maintaining physical distancing as much as possible, regular cleaning of surfaces that are touched often, like door-knobs and counter tops, using separate bathrooms if possible, not sharing drinking glasses and utensils, wearing a mask, and washing your hands often.

Finally, I want to thank all Nunavummiut for their continued cooperation. The only way we can stop the spread of the virus is by working together.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case status: Dec. 2

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
193	80	113	4964	724

COVID-19 community case statistics: Dec. 2

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	140	151	11	86	65
Whale Cove	21	21	0	14	7
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	11	8
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	2	0
TOTAL	182	193	11	113	80

Testing stats to date per community: Dec. 2

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	151	588
Whale Cove	21	125
Rankin Inlet	19	219
Sanikiluaq	2	184
TOTAL	193	1116

Isolation population:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Dec. 1
Medical	107
Public	163
Total	270

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
02-Dec	92
03-Dec	39
04-Dec	18
05-Dec	1
06-Dec	6
Total	156

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Dec. 1 there were 9693 requests, 4511 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6459	66.6%
Denied	281	2.9%
Pending	247	2.6%
Common Travel Area	2706	27.8%
Total	9693	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - November 30, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning. First, I would like to thank Nunavummiut for their patience and co-operation over the past two weeks as we work to contain the spread of COVID-19.

This Wednesday, December 2, the restrictions we put in place following the outbreak, are set to be reviewed. In line with our commitments under Nunavut's Path, my office has assessed the current situation and has determined that until we can be absolutely certain there is no longer community transmission of COVID-19 in Arviat, current restrictions will remain in effect for that community. This includes, limited outdoor gatherings and indoor gatherings, essential services only, and restricted travel in and out of Arviat for the next two weeks.

In Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet, where we do not have any indication of community transmission, restrictions will be eased. Starting Wednesday, December 2, the following measures will apply:

Travel restrictions will be lifted, though we continue to strongly advise against non-essential travel at this time and remind Nunavummiut that travel into Arviat is still restricted.
Outdoor gatherings are restricted to 50 people with physical distancing.
Gatherings in homes are restricted to a household plus 10 people.
Masks are strongly recommended.
Indoor gatherings for community halls, conference spaces and within government and Inuit organization facilities is restricted to 50 or 50% capacity.
Recreation centres and gyms open to solo workouts only.
Libraries open but no tours or groups gatherings.
Galleries open but no tours or groups gatherings.
Places of worship open to 50% capacity, but no singing.
All public playgrounds, municipal parks, territorial parks, and territorial parks reserves may open, but buildings must be closed.
Arenas remain closed.
Businesses and government offices can open. Physical distancing must be maintained.
Personal service providers, except for hairdressers and barbers, can open. Physical distancing must be maintained PPE used upon request.
Food service and licensed establishments may open for takeout and delivery service only.
There must be 2m distance between all people in line and no more than 10 people in line at any given time.
All bars remain closed.
In both communities, schools will move to stage 3 in the Department of Educations plan.
Daycares can open with enhanced cleaning protocols and as per the daycare guidelines at https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/child_care_facility_re-openin….
Taxis can operate with one fare per trip and masks mandatory.

For the remaining Kivalliq communities and the Baffin and Kitikmeot regions, where there are no active cases of COVID-19, restrictions will also be eased. Starting Wednesday December 2:

Travel restrictions will be lifted, though we continue to strongly advise against non-essential travel at this time and remind Nunavummiut that travel into Arviat is still restricted.
Elementary schools open; middle and high schools combine classroom and remote learning.
Daycares can open with enhanced cleaning protocols and as per the daycare guidelines at https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/child_care_facility_re-openin….
Nunavut Arctic College, open at reduced capacity and masks are mandatory.
Outdoor gatherings are restricted to 50 people with physical distancing.
Gatherings in homes are restricted to a household plus 15 people.
Masks are strongly recommended.
Indoor gatherings for community halls, conference spaces and within government and Inuit organization facilities is restricted to 50 or 50% capacity.
Public swimming pools, recreation centres and gyms open to solo workouts and lane swim. Hot tubs and saunas may also open, groups up to 10 people.
Theatres open to 50 people or 50% capacity.
Libraries, galleries and museums may open with group sizes no more than 10.
Places of worship open to 50% capacity, singing is allowed.
All public playgrounds, municipal parks, territorial parks, and territorial park reserves may open.
Arenas may open at reduced capacity of 50% capacity or 50 people. Total number of spectators cannot exceed fifty (50) people.
Businesses and government offices can open. Physical distancing must be maintained.
All personal service providers can open. Physical distancing must be maintained and PPE used upon request.
Food service and licensed establishments may open seated service at 50% of normal capacity. There must be 2m distance between tables and no more than 6 people seated or around each table.
Taxis can operate with multiple fares if the first passenger consents and everyone wears masks.

Keep in mind, a new outbreak of COVID-19 could impact any or all of these restrictions at any time.

Please continue to practise social distancing, washing your hands, staying home when sick and calling the hotline if you develop symptoms. Everyone has a role to play in helping reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case status: Nov. 30

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
181	108	73	4896	712

COVID-19 community case stats: Nov. 30

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Recovered Cases	Total active cases
Arviat	135	139	4	53	86
Whale Cove	21	21	0	7	14
Rankin	19	19	0	11	8
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	2	0
TOTAL	177	181	4	73	108

Testing stats to date per community: Nov. 30

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	139	555
Whale Cove	21	100
Rankin	19	208
Sani	2	168
TOTAL	181	1031

Isolation population:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov. 29
Medical	362
Public	223
Total	585

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
28-Nov	2
29-Nov	10
30-Nov	90
01-Dec	30
02-Dec	67
Total	199

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Nov. 27 there were 9556 requests, 4481 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6367	66.6%
Denied	281	2.9%
Pending	247	2.6%
Common Travel Area	2661	27.8%
Total	9556	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - November 27, 2020

Minister of Health Update:

As we head into another weekend of our lock down, I would like to say Thank you to Nunavummiut. I asked you two weeks ago when we announced the lock down that the only way we will beat this virus is if we are vigilant with our social distancing, We must listen to the CPHO orders on isolation and we must protect our families, our neighbours and most importantly our elders.

We have seen how this virus impacts our communities. We have seen how quickly things can change, and we need to remain focussed in our fight to slow and limit the spread. I know this is hard, but I remind you all to please not visit or socialize outside your household. This is so important.

Please be strict with maintaining physical distance, washing your hands, coughing into your elbow, cleaning surfaces regularly and wearing a mask outside your home.

We are strong, resourceful and capable. Let’s all keep working together to help our communities stay healthy and well. Take care of one another safely, and from a distance.

We also need to recognize our health care providers, not only those on the ground in the communities but those that are working remotely by phone, they are putting in many hours to ensure you are well, So please be kind in your discussions with them and thank them when you can.

Again, in closing, I just want to thank all Nunavummiut for their hard work in working together. We can beat this. Thank you.

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning. Yesterday, the Minister of Health extended the Public Health Emergency to December 10. Extending the Public Health Emergency every two weeks, provides the Chief Public Health Officer with the authority to take additional measures, such as issuing public health orders, to respond to situations like the ongoing pandemic.

Renewing the Public Health Emergency every two weeks does not mean that current restrictions will remain in effect until December 10, but it does allow us to issue and adjust orders to respond to the circumstances by easing or tightening restrictions as described in Nunavut’s Path.

What defines the next steps on Nunavut’s Path - the decisions to maintain, lift or reinstate public health restrictions – is the status of COVID-19 in territory, our testing capacity, and the status of COVID-19 in southern jurisdictions. Our current plan is to complete two full weeks with the current measures in place. When that period is finished, we will adjust measures for most communities, based on the level of COVID-19 in each community.

Over the past few days, our public health teams have determined that more people have recovered from COVID-19. When individuals have recovered, they are not a risk to spread the virus and they are informed by public health that they no longer have to isolate. However, they are still required to follow the public health restrictions.

We have heard that people are worried about catching COVID-19 if they go to the health centres. All our health centres are working hard to minimize the risk of COVID-19. They are ensuring enhanced cleaning is taking place, staff are wearing masks and other personal protective equipment when appropriate, and all patients are required to wear masks.

At this time, access to the health centres is only for necessary treatment that can’t be done over the phone. If you have been asked to go to the health centre, it is because the nurse or physician’s assessment has indicated you require medical attention. It is safe to go to the health centre, please don’t delay necessary medical attention.

Earlier this week, I indicated additional personnel would be coming North to assist with our outbreak response. I am happy to announce that thanks to the Red Cross, we will have four additional resources with expertise in infection prevention and control, arriving to support our team in Arviat. They will provide valuable help with assessments, training and protocol review that will enhance our current practices. The members of the team will work while respecting our current public health restrictions. They will also follow our exempted worker protocols by wearing masks in all public and workplace settings and isolating while not at work.

Here in Iqaluit, the Public Health Agency of Canada has provided a liaison officer for the next two weeks, which will help streamline requests for support from the federal government and provide additional assistance with logistics. Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case status: Nov. 27

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day	Recovered cases
Arviat	115	119	4	2
Whale Cove	19	19	0	2
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0	2
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0	2
TOTAL	155	159	4	8

Testing stats to date: Nov. 27

Community	Tests positive	Tests negative
Arviat	119	471
Whale Cove	19	80
Rankin Inlet	19	188
Sanikiluaq	2	168
TOTAL	159	907

COVID-19 case status: Nov. 27

Total Confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
159	151	8	4744	765

COVID-19 GN Update - November 25, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

Today I would like to talk a bit more about testing. Testing is not a magical solution and it is not effective by itself. Contact tracing, isolating, observing physical distancing, and following public health restrictions work together to contain and stop the spread of COVID-19.

When someone is exposed to COVID-19, the virus begins what is known as the incubation period, meaning it is growing in your body. In the first few days of this growing stage, the virus is very hard to detect. During these first days after exposure to the virus, the majority of tests will be false negatives.

Without knowing when every individual we test was exposed to the virus, we would have to do test everyone multiple times over multiple days. Doing this, will deplete precious resources and testing material, with very little success. False negatives are one of the reasons why mass testing is not the most productive strategy in our efforts to identify and track an outbreak.

On the day after exposure to COVID, testing is almost always negative. Although test reliability improves steadily as the days pass, testing does not replace isolation. Again, we would need to know the exact timeline of exposure of the people we test, to ensure that we are testing them as of day 7 or later.

Testing is not perfect and that is why combining testing with contact tracing and isolation is the most effective way to contain an outbreak and stop transmission of the virus.

Contact tracers are trained to be able to determine who the best candidates for testing are and when testing will be the most effective. I want to emphasize that although the term contact tracer might be new to many in the public, it isn’t a new practice in the health system. We have used contact tracing methods for decades to help respond to infections ranging from tuberculosis to sexually transmitted diseases.

Our health teams are skilled and working very hard to help break transmission of the virus.

In closing, I want to take a moment and thank all essential workers who are ensuring services in our communities continue, particularly in communities affected by COVID-19. I also want to re-assure you by saying that if you take the necessary precautions – wear a mask, observe physical distancing when possible, then you are doing what is needed to reduce the risk to yourself, your families and your communities.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to:https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case Statistics: Nov. 25

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day
Arviat	107	115	8
Whale Cove	16	19	3
Rankin Inlet	19	19	0
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0
TOTAL	144	155	11

Testing stats to date: Nov. 25

Community	Tests positive	Tests negative
Arviat	115	386
Whale Cove	19	58
Rankin Inlet	19	164
Sanikiluaq	2	168
TOTAL	155	776

COVID-19 case status: Nov. 25

Total Confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
155	153	2	4712	813

Isolation population:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov. 24
Medical	359
Public	131
Total	490

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from health Isolation Sites
Nov 25 2020	69
Nov 26 2020	50
Nov 27 2020	25
Nov 28 2020	2
Nov 29 2020	2
Total	148

Critical Worker Requests:

As of November 24, there were 9333 requests, 4359 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6219	66.6%
Denied	281	3.0%
Pending	232	2.5%
Common Travel Area Approved	2601	27.9%
Total	9333	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - November 23, 2020

Minister of Health update:

Good morning. I know the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases we have seen over the last week has many worried.

As Dr. Patterson has told us, this is not unexpected, and it shows our health teams are working hard to find everyone who has the virus.

It shows that the contract tracing is working and yes it will take a while to get everyone that needs to be tested, tested. I also want to remind people that it is important to get accurate information. Don’t listen to rumours and social media comments. Rumours just spread fear.

We are communicating with the public every day and are meeting with hamlet leadership on a regular basis to make sure you have accurate and up to date information.

But we need your help. I know it's hard to stay home, however we must all do our part in containing the spread of the virus. You have heard Doctor Patterson state that you can pass the virus on before you even know you have it. Before you have a positive test. That is why it is so very important that you follow the rules even if you do not think you are sick.

I also want to ask people who are in isolation in the south that while we recognize how difficult isolation can be, your actions make a difference. If you are not following the rules, you are putting people at risk.

Isolation in the south is not a vacation. There are rules. Breaking the rules puts your communities and your loved ones at risk. So please, always practise social distancing, wash your hands, don't go visiting, don't share cigarettes or drinks.

We are all used to doing many of these things all the time, but we have to stop and carefully think about our actions. We need to break these habits if we want everyone to stay healthy.

We all must work together to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. We must act to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Our actions now affect everyone's health, all the time.

Chief Public Health Officer update:

Good morning. Today I want to talk about the way this virus spreads and the importance of isolation.

I know isolating can be difficult especially for those who do not have symptoms, but it is one of our best defences against COVID-19. For those people who do not have symptoms but are a high-risk contact, meaning you have had significant exposure to COVID-19, isolation is absolutely necessary.

People can still spread the virus when they don't have symptoms, this is asymptomatic transmission, and it is one of the reasons that COVID-19 can spread so quickly. Some people with COVID-19 can spread the virus at least two days before the first symptoms develop. Others can spread the virus for up to 10 days without developing any symptoms.

Imagine the number of people you see in one day, then multiply that number by two days or ten days. If you are transmitting the virus during that time, you could pass it on to others who could spread it to others. By the time people know they are sick, they could have infected many more, who will continue to spread the virus.

To stop the spread of the virus we need to isolate it. Moving people who are positive or people who are high risk contacts from one house to another, will only spread the virus further.

Isolation must be taken seriously and the rules around isolation are there to protect your community. If you are isolating because you have COVID-19 or you are a high-risk contact, you must:

Stay inside your home.
If you need groceries have someone who is not under isolation bring them to your door and leave them outside for you.
Do not go to other houses.
Do not allow visitors.
Keep your distance as much as possible inside the house.
Wear a mask.
Do not share food or utensils.
Disinfect high touch surfaces such as the bathroom area, kitchen area and common living area.

I realize isolation is not easy and it can cause a lot of stress, but if everyone follows the rules it will help us contain the virus faster and that will allow us to once again loosen the restrictions.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to:

https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

COVID-19 case status: Nov. 23

Total confirmed cases	Total active cases	Total recovered cases	Total persons followed	Current persons followed
134	132	2	4644	933

COVID-19 case per community status: Nov. 23

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day
Arviat	98	98	0
Whale Cove	15	16	1
Rankin Inlet	15	18	3
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0
TOTAL	130	134	4

Testing stats to date: Nov. 23

Community	Community Tests positive	Tests negative
Arviat	98	353
Whale Cove	16	47
Rankin Inlet	18	150
Sanikiluaq	2	168
Total	134	718

Isolation population:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov. 23
Medical	346
Public	161
Total	507

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from health Isolation Sites
21-Nov	5
22-Nov	10
23-Nov	64
24-Nov	17
25-Nov	70
Total	166

Critical Worker Requests:

As of November 22, there were 9218 requests, 4311 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6137	66.6%
Denied	281	3.0%
Pending	249	2.7%
Common Travel Area Approved	2551	27.7%
Total	9218	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - November 20, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning. Today I would like to explain a bit about what it means when we say someone has been identified as having had contact with COVID-19.

The goal of contact tracing is to break transmission as soon as possible. When someone is diagnosed with COVID-19 we want to find out who they spent time with while they were infectious. These people are considered contacts, and may be incubating (or growing) the virus. Symptoms may appear up to 14 days after the last contact with an infected individual.

For people who have been exposed to COVID-19, it is critical that they isolate themselves during these 14 days, regardless of test results. It is very common to be spreading the virus without realizing it, which may make others sick. So, if you have been told that you have had high risk contact with COVID-19, you must isolate at home. This is the best way to avoid spreading the virus.

Part of the job of a contact tracer is to assess the chance that COVID-19 has spread between two people. We know that transmission is most likely when people are close together for longer periods. The general rule of thumb is that transmission is more likely when 2 people are within 6 feet of each other for more than 10 minutes, which is why it is important to avoid gatherings and limit social interactions to those you live with.

During the incubation period the virus may be growing inside us, but the tests may not find it. Isolating yourself when asked will help break transmission, protecting your friends, family, and community.

Even if you have not been in contact with COVID-19, there is a lot that everyone can do to break transmission of COVID-19:

Stay home if you are sick
Keep your social bubble small, by limiting social activities to small groups of the same people
Wash your hands
Wear a mask
Watch your distance

On Wednesday, I mention the hard work our Rapid Response and Public teams are doing to respond to the outbreak. Today, I want to extend my appreciation to our lab staff. They are putting in extraordinary hours, working through the night and into the early hours of the morning to get test results done. Their work is instrumental in our efforts to contain the virus.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to:
https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to:
https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

NU COVID-19 Statistics Nov. 20

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday	Confirmed COVID-19 cases today	Change in case count +/- from previous day
Arviat	57	58	1
Whale Cove	8	11	3
Rankin	7	13	6
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0
TOTAL	74	84	10

Testing stats to date:

Community	Tests Positive	Tests Negative
Arviat	58	137
Whale Cove	11	21
Rankin	13	110
Sani	2	119
TOTAL	84	387

Isolation:

Total (All Health Isolation Location)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov.19
Medical	326
Public	167
Total	493

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from health Isolation Sites
20-Nov	32
21-Nov	7
22-Nov	12
23-Nov	57
24-Nov	13
Total	121

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Nov..19 there were 9064 requests, 4214 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	6059	66.8%
Denied	281	3.2%
Pending	212	3.1%
Common Travel Area Approved	2512	2.3%
Total	9064	100%

COVID-19 GN Update - November 18, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

As of today, Nunavut has a total of 70 cases of COVID-19. Eight new cases have been confirmed in Arviat, bringing the community total to 54. There were two new cases in Rankin Inlet bringing the community total to six.

Our Rapid Response Teams, who I must commend for their hard work and dedication to their task, are working to test, trace and contain the virus in all communities impacted.

To date, there have been 114 negative tests in Arviat, 60 negative tests in Rankin Inlet. 103 in Sanikiluaq and five negatives in Whale Cove. Contact tracing and testing is ongoing.

While the increase in cases is concerning, given the nature of this virus and how quickly it spreads from person to person, an increase in cases is to be expected. Being able to quickly identify new cases also demonstrates the effort our public health and rapid response teams are putting in and the effectiveness of contact tracing. Keep in mind that it will take at least two weeks from today before we know if our public health measures and isolation protocols have been effective.

How effective we are in containing the current outbreak is in large part dependent on the cooperation of all Nunavummiut. Today, I am asking everyone to do their part in helping to contain the virus. We have repeated many times the need to follow the public health measures, but I want people to understand in simple terms what that means.

It means don’t go visiting. Right now, the best thing to do is stay home and keep your social contacts limited to the people who live in your home.

If you have symptoms, report them immediately. Don’t go to the health centre, call the hotline and, again, stay home unless directed otherwise by health staff.

We recommend wearing a mask everywhere, but you must wear a mask if you live in a community with active cases of COVID-19.

Also, please cooperate with the people who are contact tracing. Accurate information is the best way to track the virus.

Today, new orders came into effect territory wide. These orders are designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in communities with active cases and protect the other communities from the virus.

The orders make masks mandatory in any community where there are active cases of COVID-19.

We have restricted outdoor gatherings to five people and physical distancing must be maintained in all public spaces. Indoor gatherings are restricted to five people plus those living in the home, but we strongly recommend there be no visiting in homes.

Under the orders all non-essential work must stop. We have received a lot of questions asking what that means. In essence, if you closed back in March, you should be closed again.

Businesses and cab drivers are wondering about masks in communities that are not affected by COVID-19. While masks are not mandatory in other communities, they are recommended, and businesses have the authority to require makes for their patrons and staff.

Last week, I stated that daycares in Nunavut could stay open for essential workers. To clarify, this is not an order. If operators feel safer closing, that is up to them, but my hope is some will stay open to help our critical staff without childcare do their jobs.

Finally, please be kind to each other, the spread of the virus wasn’t done intentionally and blaming individuals or communities will not help us resolve this situation any faster.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

Adjusted services (territory wide)

Mental health Clients are given the option to speak to a counsellor on the phone
When it is an emergency the clients can go to the health centre/QGH to be seen by a counsellor or Mental Health nurse
Clients continue to be assessed by a psychiatrist via telehealth
Clients are contacted at home if the counsellors or mental health nurses have not had contact with them recently
In the community: Outreach workers and clinicians connect with clients via radio and radio scripts
Outreach workers create packages to be delivered to client homes with activities inside for relaxation etc.
Clients can continue to utilize services in the south for treatment or residential care with support, if the facility is accepting clients.

NU COVID-19 Statistics Nov. 18

Community	Confirmed COVID-19 Cases (yesterday)	Confirmed COVID-19 Cases (today)	Change in case count (+/-) from previous day
Arviat	46	54	8
Whale Cove	8	8	0
Rankin Inlet	4	6	2
Sanikiluaq	2	2	0
TOTAL	60	70	10

Testing stats to date: Nov. 18

Community	Test positive	Tests negative
Arviat	54	114
Whale Cove	8	5
Rankin Inlet	6	60
Sanikiluaq	2	103
Total	70	282

Isolation:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov. 18
Medical	370
Public	196
Total	566

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from health Isolation Sites
18-Nov	102
19-Nov	58
20-Nov	33
21-Nov	5
22-Nov	4
Total	202

Critical Worker Requests

As of Nov.17 there were 8905 requests, 4151 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	5981	67.2%
Denied	281	3.2%
Pending	203	2.3%
Common Travel Area Approved	2440	27.4%
Total	8905	100%

Common Travel Area

The NWT/Nunavut Common Travel Area has been suspended until further notice.

As of November 17, 2020, all Nunavut travellers to the NWT must follow the self-isolation measures set by the GNWT. For more information, travellers can contact Protect NWT at 8-1-1 or 1-833-378-8297.

As per the Chief Public Health Officer of Nunavut direction, all Nunavummiut who travelled from Nunavut to the NWT, before the suspension of the common travel area, can return to Nunavut without completing a 14 days isolation period:

Nunavummiut already in the NWT who wish to return to Nunavut earlier than their scheduled return date, must complete an new Common Area Traveller’s Declaration form and send it to @email. They also must wear masks in public spaces and observe physical distancing for the duration of their return trip.
Nunavummiut who enter the NWT on exemption to live, work, study or for compassionate reasons and wish to return to Nunavut must also complete a Common Area Traveller’s Declaration form and send it to @email.
Nunavummiut already in the NWT, who wish to remain in the NWT for their entire scheduled trip, will be subject to the GNWT’s public health measures. For more information contact Protect NWT at 8-1-1 or 1-833-378-8297.

Department of Health Update - November 16, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good afternoon. Overnight we confirmed six new cases of COVID-19 in Arviat and two in Rankin Inlet for a total of 26 cases in Nunavut.

Our public health and rapid response teams working around the clock to trace and test in efforts to track and contain the virus.

Through our investigation, we have a growing concern of COVID-19 spreading to additional communities which is why we are initiating a territory-wide lockdown with restrictions like what we saw in March and April.

We are taking these steps for at least the next two weeks to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Effective Wednesday territory-wide:

All gatherings are restricted to five people and there shall be no gatherings in homes.
All for profit and not-for profit business must close, with the exception of Grocery stores; Fuel and motor vehicle service stations; the Canada Post corporation; and Financial Institutions.
Restaurants may open for take-out services only.
All schools, including Nunavut Arctic College, federal, territorial, and municipal government offices must close to all but essential workers.
Schools will be providing remote learning options.
Personal services like hair stylists, masseuses and the like must close.
All sporting events and activities are suspended.
Fitness centres, gymnasiums and pools are closed.
Libraries, museums and galleries are closed.

To protect our elders, all visitation to elders centres and long-term care centres is on hold for at least two weeks unless approved by the doctor on call. We also ask that elders closely monitor themselves for any signs of the virus and call their health centre immediately if they feel unwell. If community members are checking on elders, please maintain strict physical distancing, do not go inside their homes.

Health centres are closed except for emergencies. The Qikiqtani General Hospital is no longer accepting walk-ins. Please call ahead and you will be assessed over the phone. Do not attend the hospital unless asked. Anyone who visits a health centre or the hospital must wear a mask.

If you have questions relating to COVID-19 or want to know if you should be tested, please call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-975-8601. Calling the hotline will allow our health staff to focus on managing the outbreak. Calls to the health centres should be for emergencies only.

Minister of Health update

We always knew that COVID-19 would one day come to Nunavut. Now that it is here, it is up to all of us to help stop the spread.

We have professionals that are doing the contact tracing and contacting people to follow up. Now is not the time for everyone in Nunavut be an investigator. Do not worry about who, what or how it got here. We need to worry about how we stop the spread. And that starts with you.

This outbreak has demonstrated how important it is to follow the public health measures and reminds us that there are multiple measures in place for a reason.

If we want to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe, we can’t pick and choose which measures to follow. We need to follow them all, as outlined by our good doctor.

The outbreak has people questioning if isolation works. For eight months it worked. For eight months it helped keep this virus out.

Isolation only works if people follow the rules while isolating. As Dr. Patterson has said, it’s not perfect, which is why we must follow all the rules.

Now that we are in lock down again, I urge everybody to follow the rules.

Don’t visit.
Stay six feet apart.
If you are under isolation, stay in isolation.
If you are sick stay home and call the COVID hotline.
Do not share things. We are a very social society and I know it is hard, but even sharing a guitar, harmonica, cigarette, whatever, could spread the virus.

The next two weeks I know is going to be hard for people, but please listen to the public health orders.

We all have a chance to prevent further spread of this virus by working together to stay apart. We can do it.

Christmas is fast approaching and putting the hard work in now to stop the spread of this virus is the only way we will be able to hopefully lessen the restrictions before then. And that is up to each and every one of us.

Working together, we can help everyone in Nunavut have the chance to spend Christmas with our families over a traditional meal.

That can’t happen if we don’t listen to the advice and orders of Dr. Patterson.

Stay calm and stay safe.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov. 16
Medical	520
Public	283
Total	803

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from health Isolation Sites
Nov 13	44
Nov 14	0
Nov 15	20
Nov 16	113
Total	177

Critical Worker Requests

As of Nov.14 there were 8815 requests, 4121 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	5945	67.4%
Denied	280	3.2%
Pending	172	2.0%
Common Travel Area Approved	2418	27.4
Total	8815	100%

Closed/Cancelled/Suspended services (Kivalliq Region):

All speciality clinics are cancelled until further notice.
Dental services are cancelled except for emergency only.
Telehealth appointments are cancelled until further notice.
Non-essential medical travel to Iqaluit is postponed. Appointments will be rescheduled at a later date.
Home care visits are suspended at this time.

Adjusted services (Rankin Inlet):

All prenatal appointments will be by appointment only, through the birthing centre.

Adjusted services (Iqaluit)

All clinics will be virtual. Patients should phone the clinics to be screened and not come to the hospital unless it is an emergency.
Antenatal clinics will continue as is.
The Emergency Department will remain open for emergencies only.
There will be no routine lab or diagnostic imaging service.
There will be no specialist clinics.
No visitation in the ward excluding one visitor for palliative, minors, and two visitors per OBS patient.
Anyone going to the clinic is required to wear a non-medical mask. If they do not have a mask they will be provided a mask upon arrival and are required to wear it.
Main Appointments number is: 975 8600, ext 5425.
- Alternative extensions include: 5430, 5431 and 5433.

Adjusted services (territory wide)

Dental services are emergency only.
Emergency dental care is available in Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit.
All health services are emergency only.
Patients should call the health centre to be screened and not go to the health centre unless it is an emergency.
Anyone going to the health centre is required to wear a non-medical mask.

Department of Health Update - November 13, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning. Last night we were informed that an individual from Arviat has tested positive for COVID-19. This person returned to Arviat after spending 2 weeks in one of the isolation hubs in Winnipeg. 7 days after returning home, they became ill unrelated to COVID-19, and presented to the health center. Over the course of 2-3 days their symptoms worsened, and they were medevaced to Winnipeg. The person was tested for COVID-19 with a positive result coming back on Nov. 12. This individual is out of hospital and doing well. Contact tracing has begun to identify and a Rapid Response Team is on standby to assist if needed.

The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 in Rankin Inlet has a similar history. They were in Winnipeg, completed isolation in late October, and developed symptoms approximately 1 week after returning to Nunavut. This individual is stable and remains at home. Contact tracing continues but, to date, no other individuals in Rankin Inlet have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

While the common travel history is concerning, we are not yet able to say with certainty where these individuals were exposed to COVID-19. For that reason and considering there are now two cases in the region, I have decided to tighten restrictions and increase Public Health measures across the Kivalliq.

Effective immediately, all for profit and not-for profit business in all Kivalliq communities must close, with the exception of Grocery stores; Fuel and motor vehicle service stations; the Canada Post corporation; Financial Institutions. Restaurants open for take-out service may remain open under strict rules including, all customers must remain 2 metres apart at all times and no more than 10 people are permitted to line up for service at one time. All personal service providers, such as hairstylists, masseuses, must also close. Masks are now mandatory for everyone while outside their homes.

In addition, all schools, including Nunavut Arctic College, federal, territorial, and municipal government offices must close to all but essential work. All gatherings are restricted to five people and there shall be no gatherings in homes.

Effective Sunday, all travel within and out of the Kivalliq Region will be restricted to emergency medical travel, critical entry for medical response, flight emergencies, and cargo. Travellers from outside the Kivalliq transiting through to or through the region will still be allowed. Anyone travelling to the Kivalliq for longer than 24 hours, will be subject to the travel restrictions. Hunters may also leave their communities but may not travel to any other community or populated area.

Anyone who has a critical need to travel out of the Kivalliq after Sunday, must apply to @email and be granted a travel authorization letter.

I strongly advise everyone to follow the public health measures in place, they are our best defence in the effort to prevent and stop transmission of the virus.

Thank you

Department of Health Services

Unless it is an emergency, we are asking that people in the Kivalliq region and in Sanikiluaq to call the health centre first and get direction. Anyone with questions about COVID-19 are asked to call the hotline at 1-888-975-8601.

There are four confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Nunavut. The total number of persons followed to date is 4017. There are 735 persons currently being followed.

Closed/Cancelled/Suspended services (Kivalliq Region, Sanikiluaq):

• All speciality clinics are cancelled until further notice.
• Dental services are cancelled except for emergency only.
• Telehealth appointments are cancelled until further notice.
• Non-essential medical travel to Iqaluit is postponed. Appointments will be rescheduled at a later date.
• Home care visits are suspended at this time.

Adjusted services (Rankin Inlet):

• All prenatal appointments will be by appointment only, through the birthing centre.

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov. 13
Medical	520
Public	283
Total	803

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Nov. 13	44
Nov. 14	0
Nov. 15	20
Nov. 16	113
Total	177

Critical Worker Requests

As of Nov. 13, there were 8774 requests, 4116 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	5867	66.9%
Denied	280	3.2%
Pending	231	2.6%
Common Travel Area Approved	2396	27.3%
Total	8774	100%

Department of Health Update - November 12, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning. Yesterday, we announced a COVID-19 positive test in Rankin Inlet. The individual presented to the health centre with mild symptoms late last week. The person is doing well and is isolated.

Based on the timing of the symptoms, we believe that the person became infectious around Nov. 5. Contact tracing is underway. As of today, the number of contacts is too few to report, but we know the number will grow in coming days. All high-risk contacts will be isolated at home. Low-risk contacts will be asked to monitor for symptoms.

We also announced several public health measures meant to limit the potential spread in the community. This information is available online at www.gov.nu.ca.

We are also asking anyone who has travelled from Rankin Inlet since Nov. 5 to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days after leaving the community. We advise non-essential travel is not recommended at this time.

In Sanikiluaq, the two confirmed cases are doing well and remain in isolation. The 11 contacts identified on Monday have been swabbed and test results came back negative.

An additional 27 tests have been done and all results are negative. Contact tracing and isolation continues with the end goal to prevent community transmission. Testing will continue as deemed appropriate.

Today, I would also like to announce new measures on Nunavut’s Path. Out of an abundance of caution and until the situation in Rankin Inlet is stable, we will be re-instating certain restrictions in the rest of the Kivalliq region as well as Iqaluit:

Schools in the Kivalliq outside Rankin Inlet and schools in Iqaluit are advised to remain open and follow the Department of Education’s opening plan for Nunavut schools.
All food service establishments in the Kivalliq Region outside Rankin Inlet and in Iqaluit may remain open for on-premises dining, delivery, and take-out service.
Seating capacity may be no greater than 50 people or fifty percent (50%) of the regular seating.
There must be at least two meters (2 m) separation between tables and between persons in line for take-out or counter service.
There shall be no more than six (6) people seated at or congregating near a table.
Food service establishments may continue to establish their own hours for on-premises, take-out and delivery services.
Licensed Premises in Baker Lake may open remain open for regular business hours, subject to any applicable licensing conditions. Physical distancing should be observed at all times.
All organized public gatherings shall be restricted to:
- 50 people for outdoor gatherings.
- Five people in private dwellings in addition to household members.
- Other facilities used for community events or meetings, including places of worships, are to be limited to 50 people or 50% of the rated capacity for the facility as established by the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Non-essential travel is not recommended.
Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms is asked to contact the health centre or COVID-19 hotline immediately.
All government offices are to remain open.
All government services to continue as normal.

If Nunavummiut have questions around testing or any other public health measures, I ask that they direct them to the COVID-19 hotline.

Thank you.

Minister of Health update

Just a few words before we sign off today. As the new Minister of Health, let me tell you, this has been quite a first week. But I want to let everyone know how prepared we are for this, and that despite how challenging things seem, there is no need to panic.

As the MLA for a community affected by COVID-19, I’m saying the same thing, and I know our towns can do this.

I just want to re-iterate some things that Premier and Dr. Patterson have said.

Let’s please stop guessing about who, what, where, when and how this happened, and focus more on what we need to do to stop the spread.

Let’s use common sense and follow the public health measures. Limit visiting, wear a mask, keep washing your hands and coughing into your elbow, and stay clam.

Let’s support our health care workers. They are working around the clock on the front lines and behind the scenes to ensure we are cared for. They deserve our support and thanks, not disrespect.

Do not travel if it isn’t necessary – now is not the time.

Finally, act like your Elder parent or immune-compromised friend’s health depends on it. Because everyone’s actions matter.

Let’s focus on community instead of ourselves. Stay home and stay safe, Sanikiluaq and Rankin Inlet.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

Unless it is an emergency, we are asking that people in Rankin Inlet and in Sanikiluaq to call the health centre first and get direction. Anyone with questions about COVID-19 are asked to call the hotline at 1-888-975-8601.

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov. 12
Medical	520
Public	283
Total	803

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Nov. 12	50
Nov. 13	40
Nov. 14	0
Nov. 15	20
Nov. 16	96
Total	206

Critical Worker Requests

As of Nov. 11, there were 8678 requests, 4062 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	5833	67.2%
Denied	280	3.2%
Pending	187	2.2%
Common Travel Area Approved	2378	27.4%
Total	8678	100%

Department of Health Update - November 11, 2020

Unless it is an emergency, we are asking that people in Rankin Inlet call the health centre first and get direction. Anyone with questions about COVID-19 are asked to call the hotline at 1-888-975-8601.

Adjusted services:

All prenatal appointments will be by appointment only, through the birthing centre.

Closed/Cancelled/Suspended services:

All speciality clinics are cancelled until further notice.
Dental services are cancelled except for emergency only.
Telehealth appointments are cancelled until further notice.
Non-essential medical travel to Iqaluit is postponed. Appointments will be rescheduled at a later date.
Home care visits are suspended at this time.

Department of Health Update - November 9, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning. Over the weekend we confirmed a second positive case of COVID-19 in Sanikiluaq. The testing was done in Iqaluit, where our lab is now validated for confirmatory testing. The new positive is living in the same household with the first positive case and there is no evidence of community transmission. The second individual is asymptomatic and doing well.

On Friday, we decided to deploy our Rapid Response Team to assist the staff on the ground in Sanikiluaq. One nurse and one logistician were dispatched to help with contact tracing. A third nurse was flown to the community today. The RRT is also being assisted remotely by virtual public health nurses who are contacting people by phone.

Contact tracing is ongoing and samples are being sent daily to Iqaluit for testing. To date, all high-risk contacts identified are in the community.

I realize that there is a lot of anxiety and uncertainty right now but the best thing we can do is work together. If public health nurses are calling, please answer the phone. Your information will be kept confidential. If you have symptoms, it is important you contact your health centre immediately. Cooperating with the health care workers will help us prevent the spread of the virus.

On Sunday, we were advised by Manitoba Public Health that a Nunavut resident at the medical travel isolation site in Winnipeg tested positive for COVID-19. It is unlikely the case in Winnipeg is related to the case in Sanikiluaq.

The individual is doing well and has been following the isolation procedures. Information points to the individual being exposed to the virus before entering isolation and we believe there is little risk of transmission to other hotel guests.

The individual is isolated and not allowed to leave their room at this time.

Finally, we have received reports of health care staff who have faced criticism and verbal abuse in some communities since the case of COVID-19 was announced. These men and women are coming from the south to provide essential services and play an important part in providing care across the territory. There are strict guidelines in place to ensure they follow public health measures.

We understand there is worry about people who do not isolate before coming to Nunavut, but there are situations that the harm of not bringing people up quickly could be significant. We do everything we can to ensure the risk of anyone entering the territory as a critical worker is low.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

Unless it is an emergency, we are asking that people in Sanikiluaq call the health centre first and get direction. Anyone with questions about COVID-19 are asked to call the hotline at 1-888-975-8601.

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov. 7
Medical	417
Public	245
Total	662

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Nov. 7	0
Nov. 8	19
Nov. 9	78
Nov. 10	46
Nov. 11	59
Total	202

Critical Worker Requests

As of Nov. 9, there were 8480 requests, 3985 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	5646	66.6%
Denied	279	3.3%
Pending	258	3.0%
Common Travel Area Approved	2297	27.1%
Total	8480	100%

Department of Health Update - November 2, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good afternoon,

Today we received confirmatory results of a positive case of COVID-19 in Sanikiluaq.

The individual and their family are isolated. We have initiated contact tracing in the community and our rapid response team is on standby to help manage the situation should it become necessary

Effective as of noon today, all travel to and from the Belcher Islands, including the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq by any means is prohibited.

There are exceptions for emergency medical travel, critical entry for medical response, flight emergencies, and cargo. Hunters may also leave the community but may not travel to any other community or populated area outside the Belcher Islands.

It is also advised that hunters leaving the community closely monitor for symptoms and return home if any develop.
In addition, all for profit and not-for profit business in Sanikiluaq must close, with the exception of Grocery stores; Fuel and motor vehicle service stations; the Canada Post corporation; Financial Institutions. Restaurants open for take-out service may remain open under strict rules including, all customers must remain 2 metres apart at all times and no more than 10 people are permitted to line up for service at one time.

In addition, all schools, including Nunavut Arctic College, federal, territorial, and municipal government offices must close to all but essential work.

All gatherings are restricted to five people and there shall be no gatherings in homes.

Currently, the common travel areas between the NWT and Churchill, Manitoba are still open for travel from all other communities.

I want to reassure Nunavummiut that we are responding quickly to this case and to remind them that now is a time for support, kindness and understanding.

Thank you.

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in Isolation as of Nov. 5
Medical	431
Public	243
Total	674

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Nov. 6	46
Nov. 7	0
Nov. 8	32
Nov. 9	80
Nov. 10	41
Total	199

Critical Worker Requests

As of Nov. 5, there were 7943 requests, 3933 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	5595	66.9%
Denied	279	3.3%
Pending	208	2.5%
Common Travel Area Approved	2283	27.3%
Total	7943	100%

Department of Health Update - November 2, 2020

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in isolation as of Nov 2
Medical	378
Public	238
Total	661

Traveller repatriation summary

Departure date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Oct. 31	0
Nov. 1	22
Nov. 2	102
Nov. 3	59
Nov. 4	57
Total	240

Critical Worker Requests

As of Oct. 27, there were 7728 requests, 3838 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	5473	67.2%
Denied	278	3.4%
Pending	202	2.6%
Common Travel Area approved	2189	26.9%
Total	7728	100%

Department of Health Update - October 26, 2020

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in isolation as of Oct 26
Medical	471
Public	328
Total	799

Traveller repatriation summary

Departure date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Oct. 24	0
Oct. 25	17
Oct. 26	86
Oct. 27	39
Oct. 28	86
Total	228

Critical Worker Requests

As of Oct. 26, there were 7835 requests, 3694 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	5274	67.3%
Denied	275	3.5%
Pending	207	2.6
Common Travel Area approved	2079	26.5%
Total	7835	100%

Department of Health Update - October 19, 2020

The Department of Health would like to remind all Nunavummiut that travel out of Nunavut is not recommended. The second wave of COVID-19 in Canada is making the situation unpredictable.

Travellers to southern Canada are reminded that as the holiday season approaches travel is not advised. Entry into the isolation sites in Edmonton, Winnipeg and Ottawa could be delayed if there are no rooms available. Priority will also be given to medical travellers.

While the Common Travel Areas between the NWT and Nunavut, and Churchill, Man., and Nunavut continue to be in effect, this could change at any time.

If transmission of COVID-19 is confirmed in any of the Common Travel Area jurisdictions. In this event, travel could be restricted without notice and travel to Nunavut might be delayed. Travellers could also be subject to 14 days of isolation before being allowed entry to Nunavut.

Travellers in the Common Travel Areas are also reminded that a letter from the office of the Chief Public Health Officer authorizing travel is required to return to Nunavut. Travellers without a letter will not be allowed to board an aircraft. Please allow sufficient time (two to three days) between requesting the letter and the date of travel to Nunavut to avoid travel delays.

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in isolation as of Oct 17
Medical	436
Public	291
Total	727

Traveller repatriation summary

Departure date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Oct. 17	1
Oct. 18	26
Oct. 19	83
Oct. 20	55
Oct. 21	81
Total	246

Critical Worker Requests

As of Oct. 17, there were 7459 requests, 3513 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	4999	67.2%
Denied	273	3.7%
Pending	258	3.5%
Common Travel Area approved	1929	25.9%
Total	7459	100%

Department of Health Update - October 8, 2020

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in isolation as of Oct 8
Medical	540
Public	320
Total	860

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Oct 8	65
Oct 9	48
Oct 10	0
Oct 11	69
Oct 12	112
Total	307

Critical Worker Requests

As of Oct. 8, there were 6898 requests, 3303 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	4774	69.2%
Denied	264	3.9%
Pending	131	1.9%
Common Travel Area Approved	1727	25.0%
Total	6898	100%

Department of Health Services Update - October 5, 2020

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in isolation as of Oct 2
Medical	366
Public	398
Total	764

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Oct 1	64
Oct 2	47
Oct 3	0
Oct 4	28
Oct 5	127
Total	266

Critical Worker Requests

As of Oct. 5, there were 6615 requests, 3174 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	4666	69.8%
Denied	264	4.0%
Pending	110	1.6%
Common Travel Area Approved	1642	24.6%
Total	6682	100%

Department of Health Services Update - October 2, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning. On September 28, the Department of Health activated its Rapid Response Team to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 at TMAC Resources’ Hope Bay mine.

TMAC Resources contacted my office on September 26 about an employee developing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. The individual and identified contacts were swabbed and the samples sent to Rankin Inlet for testing.

Seven of the samples yielded positive results, and all were sent to a southern lab for confirmatory testing. Two of those tests have since been confirmed.

As the test results indicated transmission of COVID-19 at the mine site, we initiated our rapid response plan to assist in containing the virus.

All non-critical travel to and from the mine was also halted.

The Rapid Response Team has been conducting additional contact tracing and taking samples.

As of last night, five more swabs were flown to Rankin Inlet for testing on the GeneXpert or BioFire devices, one has tested positive and will be sent for confirmatory testing. The results of one test are still pending. Another eight swabs will be delivered to Rankin Inlet tomorrow.

To accurately detect the virus, high risk contacts from the initial batch of tests have been re swabbed to ensure testing is being done at appropriate times during the incubation period.

All those who tested positive and high-risk, non-critical staff contacts have been isolated.

Critical staff contacts who are required to continue working for the safety of the other workers, are doing so until they can be replaced. Those staff are following strict measures to keep isolated from those around them, including wearing masks. Workers who develop symptoms will be required to isolate immediately.

As of Yesterday, the two individuals who were symptomatic have had their symptoms resolve.

The Rapid Response Team is currently continuing contact tracing and containment operations and are expected to be on site until the middle of next week.

While the transmission of COVID-19 at the mine is concerning, the risk to Nunavummiut from this outbreak remains low. Hope Bay does not currently have Nunavummiut working on site and there is no contact from the mine to any Nunavut communities.

Once the Rapid Response Team concludes its work, my office will review the incident and information gathered by the Rapid Response Team. From there, we will determine if there are enhanced measures needed to reduce the risk of another outbreak.

Thank you.

Isolation Volumes

Total (all health isolation locations)
Traveler type	Guests in isolation as of Oct 2
Medical	366
Public	398
Total	764

Traveller repatriation summary

Departure Date	# of travellers from health isolation sites
Oct 1	64
Oct 2	47
Oct 3	0
Oct 4	28
Oct 5	127
Total	266

Critical worker requests

As of Oct. 1, there were 6615 requests, 3174 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	4627	69.9%
Denied	264	4.0%
Pending	117	1.8%
Common Travel Area Pending	1607	24.3%
Total	6615	100%

Department of Health Services Update - September 19, 2020

Isolation Volumes

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in isolation as of Sept 21
Medical	336
Public	382
Total	786

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure date	# of travellers from Health Isolation Sites
19-Sep	0
20-Sep	21
21-Sep	87
22-Sep	35
23-Sep	68
Total	211

Critical Worker Requests

As of Sept. 19, there were 5875 requests, 2831 of which were critical worker requests.

Request status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	4137	70.4%
Denied	259	4.4%
Pending	125	2.1%
Common Travel Area	1352	23.0%
Total	5875	100%

Mental health services

• Overall Mental Health and Addictions services are seeing people face to face throughout Nunavut.
• Due to the numbers in Iqaluit and to maintain physical distancing, clients are given the option for phone or face to face.
• Clients sent out of territory for services remains limited based on the receiving facilities’ protocols.
• Psychiatry clinics are not yet face to face, but available through video or phone. This is dependent on the contracted hospitals’ protocols.

Department of Health Services, September 14, 2020

Isolation Volumes

Total (All Health Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Sept. 11
Medical	405
Public	341
Total	746

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites
12-Sep	0
13-Sep	59
14-Sep	93
15-Sep	41
16-Sep	47
Total	240

Critical Worker Requests

As of Sept. 11, there were 5301 requests, 2630 of which were critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	3820	72.1%
Denied	248	4.7%
Pending	66	1.5%
Common Travel Area Approved	1167	22.0%
Total	5301	100%

Department of Health Services, September 8, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning,

This past weekend marked the end of the14-day period for the 23 people identified as contacts of a positive case of COVID 19 at the Ottawa Residence Inn. With the two-week period concluded, there is no longer a concern that those individuals contracted the virus.

These past weeks we have continued to improve our capacity for in-territory testing. The Biofire device in Iqaluit is now operating alongside the GeneXpert machine. Aside from the need to have increased testing capacity in-territory, we also need to improve the turn around time for test results. This week, the Department of Health is starting a pilot project using charter aircraft to transport COVID-19 samples from Baffin communities to Iqaluit. The goal is to have a system in place that will reduce the test results turn around time to five days or less. Once the system is in place and working, we will begin the same process in Rankin Inlet.

Increased in-territory testing capacity combined with shorter turnaround times for tests results, will give us more flexibility with our public health measures and improve our response in case of an outbreak. However, testing is not enough.

As most people know, the Public Health strategy for minimizing the risks of COVID-19 entering and spreading in the territory relies on several measures. Testing is just one component. Physical distancing, good hygiene like washing our hands, staying home when sick and in the isolation hubs, work in tandem with testing and should not be underestimated.

We should also keep in mind that our public health measures are effective only because Nunavummiut, individually and collectively, follow them. We have been effective so far in reducing the risks because each and everyone of us made the conscious choice to adopt and include these measures in our daily lives. Every time we choose to ignore these measures, the risk increases.

While the risk can never be zero, we know that these measures are working. Nunavut remains COVID-free. We have seen decreases in respiratory illnesses this year across the territory. It is therefore vital that, individually and collectively, we continue to make the choice to follow public health measures and remain active participants in protecting our families and communities.

Thank you

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

Public Health Emergency

The Public Health Emergency was extended on Sept. 3 to and is in effect until Sept. 17.

Isolation Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of Sept. 7
Medical	345
Public	335
Total	680

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
07-Sep	54
08-Sep	66
09-Sep	65

Critical Worker Requests

As of Sept. 7, there are 5244 requests, 2604 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	3782	72.1%
Denied	246	4.7%
Pending	79	1.5%
Common Travel Area Approved	1137	21.7%
Total	5244	100%

Department of Health Services, August 17, 2020

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Unless you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call your health centre first before going in. Describe your symptoms, and health care providers can conduct a telephone assessment and may schedule in-person appointments for appropriate care.

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

If you are presenting at a health centre with respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose, please wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, please tell whoever receives you at the health centre of your symptoms, and they can provide you with one.

Common Travel areas (NWT/Churchill)

Nunavummiut travelling between the NWT and Nunavut or Churchill and Nunavut no longer have to isolate under certain conditions. However, those travelling out of Nunavut into a common travel area must obtain a letter of exemption from the Chief Public Health Officer to return to the territory. Airlines will not allow anyone to board an aircraft without a letter of authorization from the CPHO. To obtain the letter, contact @email prior to travelling. Common travel area rules are as follows:

Travel must originate from Nunavut to the NWT/Churchill, or from the NWT/Churchill to Nunavut.
Travellers have not been outside the Common Travel Areas for two weeks prior to their travel to NWT, Churchill or Nunavut.
Travellers remain in the Common Travel Area for the duration of their stay.

Passengers travelling on scheduled flights between the Kitikmeot Region and any other part of Nunavut containing a stopover or change of aircraft in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, are exempt from the requirement to produce the proof of authorization.

Email for Travellers Returning to Nunavut

All travellers must submit an Isolation Reservation Request Form to @email as soon as travel plans are known to ensure that the travel team can identify room availability and reserve stays in a designated isolation facility. More information can be found on the Department of Health website.

Isolation sites concern inbox

An email address is available to address concerns and comments from clients completing 14-day isolation in the Isolation Sites in Southern Canada. If you have questions, feedback or concerns regarding isolation, contact @email.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as Aug. 16
Medical Travel	250
Public	470
Total	720

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
Aug. 15	7
Aug. 16	22
Aug. 17	110
Aug. 18	32
Aug. 19	67

Critical Worker Requests

As of Aug.15, there are 4120 requests, 2219 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	3122	75.8%
Denied	228	5.5%
Pending	48	1.2%
Common Travel Area Approved	722	17.5%
Total	4120	100%

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Health Services, August 10, 2020

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

New Email for Travellers

A new email address has been established for Nunavummiut planning travel outside of the territory. All travellers must submit an Isolation Reservation Request Form to @email as soon as travel plans are known to ensure that the travel team can identify room availability and reserve stays in a designated isolation facility. More information can be found on the Department of Health website.

Isolation sites concern inbox

A new email address has been established to better address concerns and comments from clients completing 14-day isolation in the Isolation Sites in Southern Canada. The new email will take pressure off the COVID toll free line, patient relations and the CPHOtravelrequests inbox. The new email address is @email.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as Aug. 8
Medical Travel	146
Public	470
Total	616

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
Aug. 8	9
Aug. 9	15
Aug. 10	90
Aug. 11	26
Aug. 12	52

Critical Worker Requests

As of Aug. 8, there are 3718 requests, 2087 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	2900	78%
Denied	226	6.1%
Pending	51	1.4%
Common Travel Area Approved	541	14.6%
Total	3718	100%

Department of Health Services, August 4, 2020

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

New Email for Travellers

Isolation sites concern inbox

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as Aug. 2
Medical Travel	105
Public	483
Total	588

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
Aug. 4	37
Aug. 5	42
Aug. 6	83
Aug. 7	22
Aug. 8	5

Critical Worker Requests

As of July 30, there are 3290 requests, 1948 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	2647	80.5%
Denied	216	6.6%
Pending	52	1.6%
Common Travel Area Approved	375	11.4%
Total	3290	100%

Department of Health Services, July 27, 2020

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

New Email for Travellers

Isolation sites concern inbox

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of July 24
Medical Travel	1621
Public	1151
Total	2832

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
July 25	1
July 26	15
July 27	58
July 28	19
July 29	48

Critical Worker Requests

As of July 26, there are 3000 requests, 1850 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	2461	83%
Denied	213	7.1%
Pending	11	.4%
Common Travel Area Approved	315	10.5%
Total	3000	100%

Ongoing services:

Access to health care services will remain available in all communities 7 days a week. All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily. Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services are and will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All clients are asked to call before presenting at a health facility.

Beginning June 8, there will be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.
Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH have resumed regular services

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.

The inpatient ward at QGH is allowing limited visitors to the inpatient ward following a questionnaire.

MHA has moved to telephone check in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre. Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case by case basis.

Beginning June 15, normal dental services are permitted to resume, though this service may not be available in all communities immediately. For communities where normal service resumption is delayed, emergency services are still available.

Beginning June 29, Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes will accept visitors on a limited basis. Each resident or inpatient may have no more than two visitors at once, and visitors shall be restricted to immediate family members only (which includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Health Services, July 20, 2020

Minister of Health update:

I want to take an opportunity to address the rumours and misinformation currently going around about our isolation hubs.

The Government of Nunavut is managing several hubs, and dealing with a large number of requests from both medical and non-essential travellers. In an attempt to help clear up some of the delays to get into the hubs, Iqaluit is being looked at as one of several options to help relieve the wait time for medical travellers in Winnipeg.

This has not been finalized and we are actively looking at the possibility of creating a second hub in Winnipeg, specifically for medical travellers. Our commitment is to ensure our medical travellers are well cared for and we are prioritizing their stays above non-essential travellers.

We understand the concerns raised on social media over the weekend. However, nothing has been confirmed about an Iqaluit or additional Winnipeg hub. We recognize the fear and uncertainty that comes with COVID-19. However, we need to balance that fear with facts, the best possible care for Nunavummiut and our commitment to public health and safety.

When there is an official course of action on this, we will announce it with all the relevant information. As we work to relieve this backlog, we thank those waiting for a spot in the isolation hubs for their patience and understanding. We are working around the clock to keep our territory and Nunavummiut safe. Thanks to all the staff who have worked so hard to keep everyone well during COVID-19.

Department of Health Services

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

New Email for Travellers

Isolation sites concern inbox

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of July 17
Medical Travel	240
Public	262
Total	502

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
July 18	7
July 19	28
July 20	65
July 21	28
July 22	38

Critical Worker Requests

As of July 18, there are 2730 requests, 1757 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	2266	83%
Denied	204	7.5%
Pending	43	1.6%
Common Travel Area Approved	217	7.9%
Total	2730	100%

Ongoing services:

Access to health care services will remain available in all communities seven days a week. All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily. Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services are and will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All clients are asked to call before presenting at a health facility.

Beginning June 8, there will be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.
Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH have resumed regular services

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.

The inpatient ward at QGH is allowing limited visitors to the inpatient ward following a questionnaire.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Health Services, July 13, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update

As Nunavut continues its path forward, I am pleased to announce the further easing of restrictions in the territory.

On July 20, all licensed establishments in the territory will be allowed to open with regular hours.

Nunavut will also be extending its common travel area to include Churchill, Manitoba. This bubble is exclusive to the community of Churchill and does not extend to other regions of Manitoba.

The common travel area applies to air, land and water travel and exempts travellers from isolation requirements in either Nunavut or Churchill under certain conditions:

Travel must originate from Nunavut to Churchill or from Churchill to Nunavut.
Travellers must have not been outside either Churchill or Nunavut for 2 weeks prior to travelling.
Travellers must remain in either Nunavut or Churchill for the duration of their stay.

Prior to travelling outside of Nunavut, travellers must contact the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer for Nunavut and provide:

Contact information, such as an address and phone number, at the person’s regular place of residence; and
A written declaration that can be obtained by emailing @email or by going to the Department of Health’s website.

When travelling by air, travellers are required to obtain a letter from the CPHO authorizing travel or they will not be permitted to board their flight. Those who leave the common travel area outside of Churchill will need to isolate for 14 days at a government isolation facility, prior to returning to Nunavut.

I would like to also take this opportunity to thank all Nunavummiut for their patience as we work together to protect our territory and families from COVID-19.

Thank you

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 is advised to call the COVID-hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., or notify their community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days.

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Isolation sites concern inbox

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of July 12
Medical Travel	254
Public	245
Students	0
Total	499

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
July 11	5
July 12	7
July 13	53
July 14	18
July 15	88

Critical Worker Requests

As of July 11, there are 2,467 requests, 1,622 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	2086	84.6%
Denied	198	8.0%
Pending	26	1.1%
Bubble Approved	157	6.4%
Total	2467	100%

Ongoing services:

Access to health care services will remain available in all communities 7 days a week. All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily. Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services are and will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All clients are asked to call before presenting at a health facility.
Beginning June 8, there will be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.
In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.
Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH have resumed regular services.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.
Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.
In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.
The inpatient ward at QGH is allowing limited visitors to the inpatient ward following a questionnaire.
MHA has moved to telephone check in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre. Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case by case basis.
Beginning June 15, normal dental services are permitted to resume, though this service may not be available in all communities immediately. For communities where normal service resumption is delayed, emergency services are still available.
Beginning June 29, Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes will accept visitors on a limited basis. Each resident or inpatient may have no more than two visitors at once, and visitors shall be restricted to immediate family members only (which includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.
All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Health Services, July 6, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update

Good morning. We are still waiting on confirmatory results for the presumptive case detected in the Mary River Mine, with the expectation that they will be ready sometime this week. The Department of Health continues to monitor the situation at the Mary River Mine site closely, and we will provide support as needed.

I want to take this opportunity and remind Nunavummiut that:

Testing is only one component of the Public Health response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Testing is important, but it is not a replacement for social distancing or hand-washing.

Testing is important, but it is absolutely not a replacement for 14 days of isolation.

The Government of Nunavut follows testing guidelines and best practices that have been endorsed by the World Health Organization and Health Canada. We rely on diagnostic devices that have undergone rigorous validation and accreditation processes to provide dependable testing to Nunavummiut.

Even under ideal conditions, and with validated equipment, testing is not always a reliable method of identifying cases of COVID-19 and halting transmission. There is strong evidence that false negatives can occur throughout the incubation period.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the overarching goal of our public health response is to identify, contain and break transmission.

The Government of Nunavut will continue to look at emerging evidence and best practices set out by public health authorities, both nationally and globally, to shape our response to COVID-19, and will alter public health measures as and when appropriate.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Isolation sites concern inbox

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of July 3
Medical Travel	224
Public	229
Students	0
Total	453

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
July 4	3
July 5	15
July 6	76
July 7	29
July 8	30

Critical Worker Requests

As of July 4, there are 2215 requests, 1508 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1874	84.6%
Denied	197	8.9%
Pending	37	1.7%
Bubble Approved	107	4,8%
Total	1291	100%

Ongoing services:

Beginning June 8, there will be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.

Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.

Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH have resumed regular services

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.

The inpatient ward at QGH is allowing limited visitors to the inpatient ward following a questionnaire.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Health Services, June 29, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer Update

Good morning. Today marks the third bi-weekly announcement for Nunavut’s Path for moving forward during COVID-19. There are still no cases of COVID-19 detected in the territory, so once again we are in a position to alter public health measures.

I’m pleased to announce the following changes under the new Order Respecting Social Distancing and Gatherings, which goes into effect today:

The limit for outdoor gatherings has now been increased to 50 people.
The limit for indoor gatherings has been increased to 10 people. In private dwellings, this means 10 people in addition to those who reside there.
The limit for gatherings at places of worship, conference facilities, community halls, rental meeting spaces, and gatherings organized by the Government of Canada, Government of Nunavut, municipal corporation, or Regional Inuit Organizations has been set at 50 people or 50% of capacity for the facility, whichever is less.
In all facilities and gatherings, it is still expected that social distancing is maintained.

As we take another step forward on Nunavut’s Path, and we return to some of the activities, programs, or venues that we’ve missed, we need to remain diligent in our collective commitment to practice social distancing and good hand hygiene.

If you make the choice to participate in a large gathering, or attend an indoor event, or even meet up with friends for dinner, please also choose to be responsible, and choose to take actions that will keep yourself, your community, and your territory, safe. Wash your hands. Keep six feet away from others. Avoid touching your face. Sanitize high-touch areas often. Consider wearing a mask when social distancing is difficult. If you don’t feel well, stay home.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

New Email for Travellers

Isolation sites concern inbox

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of June 28
Medical Travel	257
Public	183
Students	0
Total	440

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
June 27	7
June 28	16
June 29	63
June 30	28
July 1	47

Critical Worker Requests

As of June 26, there are 1919 requests, 1373 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1666	86.8%
Denied	195	10.2%
Pending	3	0.2%
Common Travel Area Approved	55	2.9%
Total	1919	100%

Ongoing services:

Beginning June 8, there will be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.
Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH have resumed regular services

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.

The inpatient ward at QGH is allowing limited visitors to the inpatient ward following a questionnaire.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Health Services, June 25, 2020

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

New Email for Travellers

Isolation sites concern inbox

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of June 24
Medical Travel	286
Public	177
Students	0
Total	463

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
June 25	31
June 26	20
June 27	7
June 28	13
June 29	67

Critical Worker Requests

As of June 24, there are 1,821 requests, 1,333 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1584	86.9%
Denied	194	10.7%
Pending	2	0.1%
Common Travel Area Approved	41	2.2%
Total	1821	100%

Department of Health Services, June 22, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning.

As of today, Nunavut is resuming regular medical travel to Churchill, Manitoba. As Churchill has not had a confirmed case of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, we have determined that the risk of resuming medical travel operations is minimal, and it is greatly outweighed by the benefits of ensuring that Nunavummiut have access to the out-of-territory care they need.

Medical travellers and their escorts who travel to Churchill for treatment and do not leave the community for the duration of their stay, will be able to return directly to Nunavut without needing to isolate at a GN designated isolation facility. If the situation changes, we will re-assess and be ready to initiate contact tracing and containment measures immediately.

We have also had some inquiries from cab companies regarding their operations. Under the new Order Regarding Social Distancing and Gatherings, cab companies can collect fares from multiple households at once, under specific conditions.

Whenever there are multiple passengers in the cab, everyone must wear a mask.
Cab drivers must provide masks for riders who do not have them.
Most importantly, cab drivers must obtain consent from all passengers before picking up multiple fares. This means that any passenger who is picked up, and all subsequent fares on that ride, must indicate that they are okay with riding in a shared cab with others.
All passengers can still request that they do not share their ride with others, and, for now, cab companies must comply with this request.

We want to thank all cab companies who have so readily complied with recommendations to limit passenger travel and enhance sanitation procedures in order to keep Nunavummiut safe and healthy.

Finally, as restaurants, bars, and other indoor locations are permitted to open, I want to continue to emphasize to Nunavummiut the necessity of social distancing, good hand hygiene, and staying home when we are sick. We need to remember, even as we return to the activities we enjoy, that this pandemic is far from over, and small actions from everyone today add up to major impacts tomorrow.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

New Email for Travellers

Isolation sites concern inbox

A new email address has been established to better address concerns and comments from clients completing 14-day isolation in the Isolation Sites in Southern Canada. The new email will take pressure off the COVID toll free line, patient relations and the CPHOTravelRequests inbox. The new email address is @email.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of June 21
Medical Travel	260
Public	174
Students	0
Total	434

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
June 22	50
June 23	26
June 24	25

Critical Worker Requests

As of June 21, there are 1,726 requests, 1,282 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1511	87.5%
Denied	191	11.1%
Pending	4	0.2%
Common Travel Area Approved	20	1.2%
Total	1726	100%

Ongoing services:

Beginning June 8, there will be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.
Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH have resumed regular services

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.

The inpatient ward at QGH is allowing limited visitors to the inpatient ward following a questionnaire.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, June 18, 2020

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

New Email for Travellers

Isolation sites concern inbox

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of June 17
Medical Travel	240
Public	197
Students	0
Total	437

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
June 18	56
June 19	9
June 20	12
June 21	3
June 22	50

Critical Worker Requests

As of June 17, there are 1,667 requests, 1,238 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1470	88.2%
Denied	188	11.3%
Pending	9	0.5%
Total	1667	100%

Travel through the Common Travel Area

As of June 17, there are 15 approved requests for travel into Nunavut from the Northwest Territories.

Ongoing services:

Beginning June 8, there will be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.
Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH have resumed regular services

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.

The inpatient ward at QGH is allowing limited visitors to the inpatient ward following a questionnaire.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, June 15, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning,

Last Friday, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced that it will allow Nunavummiut to enter the Northwest Territories (NWT) without undergoing a 14-day isolation period. I am pleased to say that after consultation with my counterpart in the GNWT, as of today, residents of the NWT can travel to Nunavut without isolating prior to arrival.

The establishment of the common travel area by air or by land between the two territories does however come with strict conditions and expectations:

Travel must originate from Nunavut to the NWT or from the NWT to Nunavut.
Travellers have not been outside their respective territory for two weeks prior to their travel to the NWT or Nunavut.
Travellers remain in either territory for the duration of their stay.

Travellers from the NWT who wish to enter Nunavut, must write to: @email and complete and sign the Nunavut and NWT Traveller’s Declaration form. Failure to do so will affect entry in Nunavut. Failure to answer truthfully will be subject to fines. This also applies for Nunavummiut who wish to return home after their stay in the NWT.

My office will issue a letter of approval. Travellers will be required to present the approval letter prior to boarding any airplane entering Nunavut.

Isolation before entering Nunavut is still required if

You are a Nunavut resident who is returning home from travel in southern Canada via Yellowknife. In this case, you will need to complete a 14-day isolation period in the GN isolation hub in Yellowknife.
You are an NWT resident who has travelled outside your territory less than two weeks before your scheduled arrival in Nunavut. In this case, you will need to complete the NWT isolation requirements before applying for travel to Nunavut.

I want to re-assure Nunavummiut that should the current situation change in either territory, we will re-assess the common travel area and take all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of Nunavummiut.

Further Information can be found in Travel and Isolation section of the Department of Health website at https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/travel-and-isolation.

Today also marks the second of our bi-weekly announcements regarding the status of current health measures.

Beginning June 22:

Personal service providers will also be permitted to open for one-on-one sessions. This includes hairdressers and nail salons. Again, these facilities will be responsible for ensuring that PPE is available for both clients and service providers when requested.
Bars and restaurants will be allowed to re-open and operate at half capacity. Last call for alcohol service will be at 9 p.m.. Facility operators need to ensure that patrons are respecting social distancing. Liquor Inspectors have the authority to enforce orders regarding social distancing, and they will be monitoring to ensure adherence to these conditions.
Theatres and churches are also permitted to re-open on June 22.

On June 29:

Youth centres and day camps will be able to resume operations.
Long-term care facilities will begin accepting visitors in a limited capacity; they can only allow one to two visitors per resident at a time, and these visitors can only be immediate family.

Guidelines for re-opening will be available on the health website in the coming days.

Though we can reasonably forecast what the next two weeks may bring, we must remain aware of the possible need to change or re-introduce public health measures. While we are in a position to ease restrictions, we remain vulnerable to the impacts of this global pandemic.

Every week, new information becomes available. Every week, the situation can change. What doesn’t change is that social distancing, washing your hands and staying home when you are sick are the three main actions each and everyone of us can take to keep our families and our communities safe.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

New Email for Travellers

Isolation sites concern inbox

A new email address has been established to better address concerns and comments from clients completing 14-day isolation in the Isolation Sites in Southern Canada. The new email will take pressure off the COVID toll free line, patient relations and the CPHOTravelRequests inbox. The new email address is @email.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of June 14
Medical Travel	201
Public	206
Students	0
Total	407

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
June 13	7
June 14	6
June 15	46
June 16	49
June 17	35

Critical Worker Requests

As of June 13, there are 1,574 requests, 1,181 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1379	87.6%
Denied	186	11.8%
Pending	9	0.6%
Total	1574	100%

Ongoing services:

Beginning June 8, there will be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH are on reduced services. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, June 11, 2020

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 is advised to call the COVID hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., or notify their community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days.

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

New Email for Travellers

Isolation sites concern inbox

A new email address has been established to better address concerns and comments from clients completing 14-day isolation in the Isolation Sites in southern Canada. The new email will take pressure off the COVID toll free line, patient relations and the CPHOtravel requests inbox. The new email address is @email.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of June 10
Medical Travel	174
Public	226
Students	0
Total	400

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
June 11	30
June 12	21
June 13	7
June 14	6
June 15	47

Critical Worker Requests

As of June 10, there are 1,520 requests, 1143 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1335	87.8%
Denied	183	10.7%
Pending	2	.1%
Total	1520	100%

Department of Health Services, June 8, 2020

Minister of Health update

As Dr Patterson has already indicated, Nunavut’s strict border measures are likely among the last of the public health measures that will be lifted or altered. Right now, travel into Nunavut represents the single biggest risk for introducing COVID-19. The travel ban, and the 14-day isolation requirements for returning Nunavummiut, are meant to mitigate this risk and keep our territory safe.

Knowing that, I’d like to take this opportunity to share information on the new process being implemented for reserving stays in GN southern isolation facilities. Moving forward, all Nunavummiut who must travel outside of the territory should contact the email address @email and submit an Isolation Reservation Request Form as soon as they know their plans for travel. From there, the travel team will work to identify room availability and reserve your stay in one of the designated isolation facilities.

This new streamlined process is meant to help Nunavummiut plan for their 14-day quarantine period farther in advance and ensures that our travel team can anticipate and accommodate travellers in the coming months. More information, including intake days requirements, can also be found on the Department of Health’s website.

Remember, non-essential travel outside of the territory is still not recommended.

All individuals who are applying for critical worker exemption will continue to use the email address @email.

Finally, the Department of Health has made temporary amendments to the Medical Travel Policy to help keep our medical travellers and escorts safe from COVID-19. Specific provisions have been added to ensure that medical travellers and escorts abide by rules of social distancing, hand-washing hygiene, and other behaviours that help to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The amendments also more clearly outline the requirements for both medical travellers and escorts to complete 14 days of self-isolation at a designated isolation facility prior to returning to Nunavut.

As we continue to look at ways of easing public health measures and returning the activities we enjoy, we must remain diligent and aware that the threat of COVID-19 has not yet passed.

Please continue to maintain physical distancing and handwashing practices, and limit any non-essential travel out of the territory. Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

New Email for Travellers

A new email address has been established for Nunavummiut planning travel outside of the territory. All travellers must submit an Isolation Reservation Request Form to @email as soon as travel plans are known to ensure that the travel team can identify room availability and reserve stays in a designated isolation facilities. More information can be found on the Department of Health website.

Individuals applying for critical worker exemption will continue to contact the email @email.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of June 7
Medical Travel	168
Public	189
Students	0
Total	357

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
June 6	7
June 7	8
June 8	28
June 9	24
June 10	18

Critical Worker Requests

As of June 7, there are 1,433 requests, 1,085 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1223	85.3%
Denied	157	11.0%
Pending	53	3.7%
Total	1433	100%

Department of Health Services, June 4, 2020

Critical worker exemption notice for residents leaving or re-entering Nunavut

Currently travel out of Nunavut is not recommended and subject to 14-day isolation before travellers are allowed to return to territory. All Nunavummiut, regardless of employer, are subject to 14-day isolation. Only critical workers can apply for isolation exemption. Approval of exemption is at the sole discretion of the Chief Public Health Officer’s office and cannot be granted by any Nunavut employer.

If you believe you are a critical worker, apply to the CPHO by submitting the Critical Worker exemption form to [email protected]. If you are not approved by the CPHO for critical exemption, you must self-isolate for 14 days in a GN isolation site.

For more information on the travel ban, critical worker status or current public health measures, go to https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Isolation sites concern inbox

A new email address has been established to better address concerns and comments from clients completing 14-day isolation in the isolation sites in southern Canada. The new email will take pressure off the COVID toll-free line, patient relations and the CPHOTravelRequests inbox. The new email address is @email.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of June 3
Medical Travel	208
Public	154
Students	0
Total	362

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
June 4	33
June 5	13
June 6	2
June 7	12
June 8	28

Critical Worker Requests

As of June 2, there are 1,352 requests, 1025 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1161	85.9%
Denied	153	11.3%
Pending	38	2.8%
Total	1352	100%

Department of Health Services, June 1, 2020

Minister of Health update:

I’d like to invite all Nunavummiut to join me in celebrating World No Tobacco Day, which occurred this past Sunday, May 31. This annual event highlights the health risks associated with tobacco use, and advocates for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

Right now, we are all working hard to commit to our public health measures that protect us from the threat of COVID-19. We are social distancing, staying home as much as possible, and washing our hands as much as we can. These actions are keeping ourselves, our communities, and our territory safe. Quitting tobacco use is one more step we can take to guard ourselves against the impact of this pandemic. We know that COVID-19 is mainly a respiratory virus, and early evidence suggests that smoking can make symptoms worse. Smokers are also likely to be more vulnerable to COVID-19, as smoking increases the likelihood of transmission from one’s face and lips. Please remember: do not share cigarettes, joints, or pipes. Do not pick up discarded cigarette or cannabis butts. Wash your hands often, and refrain from touching your face.

The best thing that we can do for our health is to quit smoking. By making the decision to quit smoking, we can help to protect ourselves from COVID-19 today, and dramatically improve our health for the coming weeks, months, and years. Support is available for anyone who wants to explore options to help them quit. Message a counsellor on the Tobacco Has No Place Here Facebook page or call 1-866-368-7848 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is private and free. Counsellors can help you in Inuktitut, English, Inuinnaqtun and French.

Nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, is also available at no cost through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program at your local health centre or pharmacy. Call ahead, and ask your health care provider for information and options for NRT.

Thank you.

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning. Today marks the start of Nunavut’s Path forward. Day cares, territorial parks, and playgrounds are permitted to re-open, and the size limit for outdoor gatherings has been increased to 25. Today will also be the first of our bi-weekly assessments concerning the modification of public health measures.

As we look at altering public health measures, I want to take a moment and emphasize to all Nunavummiut the continued importance of social distancing. While we are in a position today to alter measures, we are not in a position to take social distancing for granted.

We’ve noticed through the contact tracing of persons under investigation that people’s contact bubbles are becoming noticeably larger. Larger contact bubbles will make it significantly more challenging to identify and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

COVID-19 continues to pose a risk to Nunavummiut, and we are not immune to this pandemic. We’ve made it this far thanks to our collective efforts, but those efforts absolutely have to continue.

With that said, I’m pleased to announce the following modifications to public health measures that will be occurring over the next two weeks.

Effective immediately, in-territory travel advisories are lifted. Travel outside of Nunavut is still not recommended. Individuals who are travelling outside of the territory need to be aware not only of the isolation procedures to return, but also of the measures that other jurisdictions may have in place to limit or discourage travel.

On June 8, workplaces and retail outlets are permitted to re-open, provided that they have safety measures in place. Galleries, museums, and libraries may also be opened for individual viewing and browsing, though group sessions are still prohibited. There will also be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.

On June 15, dental clinics, physiotherapy clinics, massage therapy, and chiropractic treatments are permitted to resume. Gyms and pools will also be permitted to re-open for solo workouts and lap swimming only.

Please note, that all these measures are subject to alteration should conditions change.

Thank you.

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 29
Medical Travel	158
Public	116
Students	0
Total	274

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 30	0
May 31	9
June 1	35
June 2	6
June 3	16

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 31, there are 1,291 requests, 987 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1100	85.7%
Denied	146	11.4%
Pending	45	3.0%
Total	1291	100%

Ongoing services:

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Only emergency dental services will be provided until further notice.

Specialty clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, May 28, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning. I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify the conditions required in order for us to consider altering the current border measures in place. I have previously indicated that the border restrictions currently in place will likely be among the final public health measures that are lifted.

This is because right now travel into Nunavut from outside of the territory represents the highest risk. If we want to continue Nunavut’s Path, and remove additional public health measures inside the territory, then we need to maintain our strict travel measures. This is our best chance to both return to the activities we enjoy and the programs we depend on, while still protecting the health and safety of Nunavummiut.

With that said, fulfillment of any of the following conditions may influence decisions to alter our border measures.

Development of a vaccine for COVID-19. We’ve already discussed this, and though it is unlikely that a vaccine will be developed and readily available in the near future, it is still a factor that would greatly influence all of our public health measures;
Development or discovery of an effective treatment for COVID-19;
Indication that COVID-19 is under control in our neighboring jurisdictions. This means that beyond just decreasing case numbers, we would need to see evidence that community transmission in neighboring jurisdictions is minimal and contained;
And finally, achievement of sustainable and on-going diagnostic capacity in every community in Nunavut.

Unfortunately, many of these factors are outside of our control, but we will continue to monitor the evolving global situation. As always, our decisions surrounding the border measures will be guided by evidence and will be designed to protect and preserve the health and safety of Nunavummiut throughout this global pandemic.

I would like to remind Nunavummiut that as of Monday, June 1, playgrounds, territorial parks, and daycares are permitted to open, and the size of outdoor gatherings may increase to 25. On June 1, we will also begin our bi-weekly announcements on the assessment and potential easing of additional public health measures. The reason we have chosen two weeks as our interval of choice is straightforward. All evidence suggests that 14 days is the maximum incubation time for COVID-19. So, this 14-day window will give us an opportunity to assess the situation around us and make informed decisions based on the latest information available.

Please remember that if a threat is detected, we may need to react immediately. We will provide as much warning as possible, but we may need to introduce additional public health measures right away.

Finally, the Department is issuing a Public Health Advisory to the community of Sanikiluaq due to the detection of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Whooping cough is a disease of the throat or lungs that is spread easily from person to person. Anyone can get whooping cough, but the most severe cases are in young children. For that reason, the daycare in Sanikiluaq must remain closed for the time being.

Thank you.

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 27
Medical Travel	149
Public	96
Students	0
Total	245

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 28	24
May 29	6
May 30	0
May 31	9
June 1	35

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 24, there are 1,192 requests, 913 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	1018	85.9%
Denied	135	11.3%
Pending	39	3.3%
Total	1192	100%

Department of Health Services, May 25, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good morning. These past two months have not been easy, and all Nunavummiut have had to make sacrifices.

However, thanks to our combined efforts, we are protecting our families, our communities, and our territory from this pandemic, and I hope that all Nunavummiut can feel a sense of pride knowing that their actions are making a deep and measurable impact on keeping Nunavut healthy and safe.

It is time for us to move forward. This does not mean that this pandemic is over. This does not mean that the threat has passed. This means that we can cautiously begin our return to the activities we enjoy, knowing that at any time we may need to change our behaviour to protect ourselves from emerging threats.

In the coming weeks, we will work with our stakeholders to re-introduce our businesses, our activities, and our programs in a way that is safe, sustainable, and poses the least risk to the health and safety of Nunavummiut. Know that as we begin to loosen restrictions internally, it is imperative that our strict border measures remain to minimize the risk of introducing COVID-19 into the territory.

With that being said, I’m pleased to announce that as of June 1:

Daycares will be permitted to open up for regular business.
The size limit for outdoor gatherings will increase to 25 people.
Territorial parks will be allowed to reopen for outdoor activities only, if local circumstances permit. All park buildings will remain closed.
Municipal playgrounds will be allowed to re-open, again, if local circumstances permit.

These particular conditions have been selected because they are deemed low risk. Moving forward, our plan is to re-assess our condition every two weeks. If the state of COVID in Nunavut is favorable, we will continue to lift public health measures, beginning with lower risk activities and programs. If our condition is stable, we may remain at the status quo until we are confident that lifting additional restrictions would not pose an undue risk to Nunavummiut. Finally, if the threat of COVID-19 increases, or eased public health measures are posing a potential public health threat to the territory, we may need to introduce or re-introduce certain conditions.

I share in everyone’s desire to return to normal. We all want to know when we can confidently and safely travel within our own territory, or to our neighbouring jurisdictions. However, trying to forecast specific dates and timelines for when we can lift all of our public health measures would be inaccurate, and frankly, it would be insincere.

The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving rapidly, and every single week yields new information that shapes our strategy and our public health measures. Predictions and decisions made on the basis of today’s understanding of the virus may be obsolete in a short time. For this reason, we have opted for an approach that is flexible, cautious, and adaptive to the evolving situation around us.

Again, I want to thank all Nunavummiut for their continued patience and understanding. No one is left unaffected by this pandemic, but our collective accountability has kept Nunavut safe so far. This accountability and responsibility needs to continue, and, as we loosen restrictions, we must continue to practice social distancing, stay away from others when we are sick and wash our hands often.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 24
Medical Travel	141
Public	89
Students	0
Total	230

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 23	14
May 24	6
May 25	31
May 26	19
May 27	15

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 24, there are 1131 requests, 878 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	963	84.6%
Denied	127	11.2%
Pending	41	4.3%
Total	1131	100%

Department of Health Services, May 21, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

Good afternoon. I am pleased to announce several items today. The first is that Rankin Inlet now has the ability to provide testing if a positive case is confirmed in-territory. I’d like to commend the medical and laboratory staff, especially Matt Stacey and Dr. Jasmine Pawa, who have been working tirelessly to become acquainted with the GeneXpert machine, and to ensure that it can be managed safely, efficiently, and accurately. Getting this machine up and running is a significant step forward for Nunavut, as this now fulfills our criteria of obtaining reliable and effective in-territory diagnostic capacity. When coupled with the fact that we still have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 inside the territory, we have now met two of our three conditions. While the situation in southern Canada will continue to play a role in our approach moving forward, we are now in a better position to consider reducing some restrictions in the territory.

I have one other piece of news I would like to share. Moving forward, Kitikmeot medical travellers receiving treatment in Yellowknife are no longer required to undergo the 14-day isolation period, and instead will be permitted to return home immediately. This decision has been made through consultation with the Northwest Territories and is contingent on there being no active cases of COVID-19 in the NWT. Please note that this is for medical travellers only, and this is only when their treatment is provided in Yellowknife. Any medical traveller who needs to leave the Northwest Territories to receive treatment in other cities in Canada will still be required to complete their 14-day isolation period. For all medical travellers to whom this new rule applies who are currently in quarantine, we are working to get you home as soon as possible.

As always, our main goal is the safety, health and well being of Nunavummiut. I would like to thank you all for your patience, understanding and support as we continue to care for our families and our communities.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 21
Medical Travel	190
Public	86
Students	0
Total	276

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 21	39
May 22	13
May 23	14
May 24	6
May 25	31

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 21, there are 1080 requests, 838 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	916	84.8%
Denied	122	11.3%
Pending	48	3.9%
Total	1080	100%

Department of Health Services, May 19, 2020

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 19	19
May 20	27
May 21	39
May 22	12
May 23	14

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 18, there are 1,039 requests, 870 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	870	84.3%
Denied	121	11.9%
Pending	48	3.9%
Total	1039	100%

Ongoing services:

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Only emergency dental services will be provided in until further notice.

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families is cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, May 14, 2020

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 13
Medical Travel	177
Public	95
Students	0
Total	272

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 14	23
May 15	9
May 16	12
May 17	16
May 18	54

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 12, there are 986 requests, 759 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	831	84.3%
Denied	117	11.9%
Pending	38	3.9%
Total	986	100%

Department of Health Services, May 11, 2020

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 10
Medical Travel	143
Public	112
Students	0
Total	255

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 9	25
May 10	4
May 11	67
May 12	19
May 13	6

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 10, there are 948 requests, 728 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	796	84%
Denied	114	12%
Pending	38	4%
Total	948	100%

Ongoing services:

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Only emergency dental services will be provided in until further notice.

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, May 8, 2020

Minister of Health update:

It was announced at the start of this year by the World Health Organization that all of 2020 was to be recognized as the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. This was an opportunity to celebrate the vital role of nurses and midwives in the delivery of health care services across the world.

Several months later, in the midst of this global pandemic, we are not just talking about their essential role in keeping us healthy, we are experiencing it firsthand. Nurses and midwives continue to deliver vital health care services in our territory, in our country, and throughout the world.

May 11 to 17 is recognized as National Nursing Week. As our nurses work tirelessly to ensure that Nunavummiut have access to the care they need, I think it’s important that we all take this opportunity to show them our immense gratitude for their service and their contribution to this territory. Nunavut has more than 300 nurses who are essential to the development and delivery of programs that keep Nunavummiut healthy. In these uncertain times, as the world battles COVID-19, our nurses are on the front line, providing care to those who need it most. This pandemic has demonstrated our nurses’ willingness to put their own health and safety at risk to protect and care for those around them.

This National Nursing Week, and indeed this entire Year of The Nurse and Midwife, give us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on these essential health staff. However, our gratitude for your service is not restricted to a single week, or a single year. I would like all Nunavummiut to join me in showing our ongoing appreciation for your continued dedication to this territory.

Thank you.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 7
Medical Travel	210
Public	141
Total	351

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 8	15
May 9	21
May 10	4
May 11	66
May 12	19

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 7, there are 922 requests, 708 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	773	83.8%
Denied	109	11.8%
Pending	40	4.3%
Total	922	100%

Ongoing services:

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Only emergency dental services will be provided in until further notice.

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, May 6, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update:

Since it was confirmed that the detected COVID case in Nunavut was a false positive, the territory has witnessed great displays of solidarity, support, and pride. The additional restrictions in Pond Inlet have been lifted, and I hope that the community feels a measure of relief knowing that they are still COVID-free.

This is good news. As a territory, we have done well so far.

However, we cannot allow our celebration to lapse into complacency. It is more important than ever that we maintain these rules that we’ve all become familiar with. The threat of COVID-19 is still very real and we need to stay the course.

Practise social distancing.
Avoid contact with individuals who are not a member of your household.
Limit trips for errands.
Purchase only the supplies that your household needs.
And, of course, wash your hands.

There is no combination of measures that can absolutely guarantee the prevention of COVID-19. Even as we celebrate for Pond Inlet, all Nunavummiut need to remain vigilant and cautious. Follow the rules, and encourage your friends, family, and neighbours to do the same.

I want to thank all Nunavummiut for their continued patience, understanding, and cooperation. We can only get through this together.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Travel outside the territory as of May 7, 2020:

The Government of Nunavut’s decision to charge $2,100 per individual and $1,050 for each additional family member during the mandatory 14-day isolation stays for residents returning to the territory has been reversed.

The Government of Nunavut will continue to cover these costs as long as mandatory isolation for residents returning to the territory is in place.

Please keep in mind that travel outside of Nunavut during the COVID-19 pandemic is not advised.

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 5
Medical Travel	177
Public	137
Total	314

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 5	22
May 6	15
May 7	24
May 8	12
May 9	21

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 5, there are 872 requests, 667 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	727	83.4%
Denied	107	12.3%
Pending	38	4.4%
Total	872	100%

Department of Health Services, May 4, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

At this time, I would like to inform Nunavummiut that the test result showing COVID-19 has turned out to be a false positive result. This means that although the first test result showed COVID-19 infection, further investigation and testing have not shown any other evidence of COVID-19 infection in Pond Inlet.

As I have previously mentioned, no lab test is perfect. There is always a chance of false positive or false negative results. When interpreting results and deciding on an appropriate course of action, we consider many pieces of information, of which test results are just one piece. We always aim to err on the side of caution.

Diagnostic tests are part of an entire system of measures to intervene on COVID-19 infection. In these circumstances the test gave an incorrect result, but the rest of the system (public health nurses, contact tracing, surveillance) have not identified any other cases of COVID-19 infection.

The information available so far includes:

The individual involved has not been outside of Pond Inlet for some time.
We have not identified an exposure to COVID-19.
We have not found any other cases of COVID-19 in Pond Inlet.
We have not noticed any increase in significant respiratory infections.

For all of the reasons above we believe that the individual in Pond Inlet does not, and never did have COVID-19. As a result, our rapid response team will stop operating in Pond Inlet and the members of the team will begin preparing for future deployments. All territorial orders under the Public Health Emergency remain in effect.

However, the additional measures specific to Pond Inlet as a result of the positive COVID-19 case are now lifted. Effective immediately, travel between Pond Inlet and other Nunavut communities may resume, and the community-specific restrictions on businesses and services in Pond Inlet are also rescinded.

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 3
Medical Travel	187
Public	125
Total	312

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 3	14
May 4	58
May 5	11
May 6	17
May 7	23

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 3, there are 840 requests, 643 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	698	83.1%
Denied	100	11.9%
Pending	42	5.0%
Total	840	100%

Ongoing services:

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Only emergency dental services will be provided in until further notice.

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, May 1, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

I’d like to give an update on the current status in Pond Inlet:

The patient is isolated, and still doing well.
The Rapid Response Team is in the community, and they are implementing containment and contact tracing.
As the team completes additional testing, there is the possibility that more positive cases may be confirmed in the community. This does not necessarily mean that there is community transmission and should not be cause for alarm. What this does mean is that the Rapid Response Team is doing their job, which is finding the virus and stopping it from spreading.
Containment is key, and right now it is our top priority.
As this process takes place, the Government of Nunavut will continue to support the community of Pond Inlet.

I also want to take a moment and thank the municipality of Pond Inlet and its residents for allowing me to answer their questions earlier today on the community radio.

Moving forward, I would like to remind all Nunavummiut, using the strongest possible terms, that every single social interaction carries a degree of risk. Despite all of the Government of Nunavut’s preventative measures, and the new containment measures now in place within Pond Inlet, it is impossible to reasonably predict where or when COVID-19 may be detected next.

I urge all Nunavummiut to exercise a high degree of caution, and to seriously consider these risks before participating in a gathering of any kind. If you deem it necessary to participate in gatherings, then please keep track of the people with whom you interact, as this information may be necessary in case contact tracing needs to be conducted in your community.

Health staff cannot get us through this alone. How well we do, and where we go from here, depends on the actions of every single Nunavummiut. Right now, the best way of slowing the spread of COVID-19 continues to be through social distancing and effective hygiene.

If everyone follows these rules together, we can put ourselves in the best position to make it through this uncertain time. It’s more important than ever that we be careful, responsible, kind, and supportive.

I’d like to thank Nunavummiut for their continued cooperation and understanding.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Travel outside the territory as of May 7, 2020

Starting May 7, 2020, Nunavummiut who chose to travel outside Nunavut while the CPHO’s travel ban is still in effect will have to cover the costs of their 14-day isolation period in one of the Government of Nunavut’s isolation sites.
The fee for a single individual in a room is $2,100 for the 14-day period, and each additional family member in the room will pay $1,050.
Updates will be provided as they become available.

Department of Health Services

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Travelers

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of May 1
Medical Travel	187
Public	125
Total	312

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
May 1	19
May 2	7
May 3	14
May 4	56
May 5	14

Critical Worker Requests

As of April 30, there are 821 requests, 626 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	675	82.1%
Denied	100	12.2%
Pending	47	5.7%
Total	821	100%

Ongoing services:

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

No visitors allowed at Qikiqtani General Hospital, except for one visitor for maternity or palliative patients and escorts for minors.

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged; this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

MHA has moved to telephone check-in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre. Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case by case basis.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Only emergency dental services will be provided in until further notice.

Specialty clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, April 30, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

As you have seen and heard, today we have announced that a case of COVID-19 has been detected within Pond Inlet. Since the onset of the pandemic, we knew that no combination of preventative measures can absolutely guarantee the prevention of COVID-19. We anticipated that sooner or later the virus would be detected in the territory. Just as we have poured extensive effort into our prevention plan, so too have we developed a comprehensive response plan to minimize, to the greatest possible extent, the impact that COVID-19 has on Nunavut.

We have been in contact with hamlet authorities and have initiated our Rapid Response Plan. A Rapid Response Team has already been deployed to Pond Inlet and is scheduled to arrive early this afternoon. That team will immediately initiate containment measures, begin contact tracing, and monitor the health and well-being of persons on home isolation orders. The Pond Inlet Health Centre is well-staffed and prepared, and health centre operations will continue.

All passenger travel in and out of Pond Inlet has ceased. This includes any movement in or out of the community by land travel. This travel ban is a necessary containment measure to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spreading to multiple communities at once.

Until we have determined the potential spread of the virus within the community, all non-essential offices and services will be closed. There is to be no social gatherings within dwellings, and all residents of Pond Inlet are asked to continue to maintain social distancing and good hygiene.

For residents of Pond Inlet, we recognize that this news may be frightening. However, the Government of Nunavut would like to assure everyone that although travel is restricted, you are not cut off from help and support. Critical services will be maintained, and plans are in place to ensure that access to services such as heat, power, water, sewer, and communications will not be interrupted. Our primary focus now is to detect and contain the virus to prevent further transmission within the community and to other communities.

Anyone who has reason to believe that they have been exposed to the virus is advised to call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. or call your community health centre. Please, do not go to the health centre in person unless you are instructed to by a health official.

To all Nunavummiut, know that the preventative measures that we have all been taking are more important now than ever. Everyone needs to practise social distancing, stay home whenever possible, and avoid contact with those who are not a member of your household. Together, our efforts can slow the spread of COVID-19.

Finally, I remind everyone of the importance of kindness. Now is not the time for blame, or shame. It is the time for compassion, empathy, and support of your fellow Nunavummiut.

The Government of Nunavut thanks all Nunavummiut for their efforts to date. We will continue to exhaust all efforts to contain the virus, and minimize its impact on Pond Inlet, and on all the territory. Only together can we all protect our territory from the threat of COVID-19.

Department of Health Services

Residents of Pond Inlet must call their health centre first. All regular appointments at the Pond Inlet Health Centre have been cancelled. Only emergency services are available.

COVID-19 Hotline and self-assessment tool

Anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 is advised to call the COVID hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., or call their community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days.

Nunavummiut can also use the self-assessment tool available at www.gov.nu.ca

COMMUNITY TRAVEL AND GATHERINGS RESTRICTION ORDER

POND INLET

All travel to and from Pond Inlet is banned except:

People with a letter from the CPHO
Medevac patients
Flight crews
Nunavut Inuit exercising their hunting rights as set out in Article 5 may leave and return to Pond Inlet but not travel to any other community
People travelling on a flight which must land in Pond Inlet due to weather or emergency

Medevac crews must restrict movements to the airport and the health centre and must wear personal protective equipment.

All businesses operating in Pond Inlet must close except for:

Grocery stores
Fuel and motor vehicle stations
Post office
Restaurants open for take out service

All social gatherings shall be restricted to five persons or fewer.

No social gatherings in dwellings.

The order can be consulted at:
https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Department of Health Services, April 29, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

As many of you may know, some jurisdictions in Canada have started or will soon begin a gradual lifting of the restrictions they have implemented to flatten the COVID curve. Today I’d like to speak in more detail about what needs to happen before we can do the same. There are three conditions that need to be met before we can consider relaxing existing restrictions in the territory. They are as follows:

We need to achieve in-territory diagnostic capacity. This means that we need to be able to implement a rapid, accurate, and comprehensive COVID-19 testing program here in Nunavut;
There needs to be significant indication that rates of COVID-19 are decreasing in the southern jurisdictions to which Nunavummiut most often travel; and
There needs to remain no active cases of COVID-19 within Nunavut.

The nature of these conditions means that it is difficult to assign a specific timeline to re-opening, but fulfillment of these conditions is necessary to minimize risk to public health and safety. We need to know that Nunavummiut travelling outside of the territory can do so safely, and we need to be able to respond rapidly to any confirmed cases of COVID-19 within Nunavut.

I know that people are eager to go back to work, visit loved ones, and engage in social activities. However, if we lift these restrictions too early, we will increase the risk to Nunavummiut. If we aren’t careful about how we transition back from these restrictions, then we could effectively undo all the hard work and sacrifices that we’ve made over the past seven weeks.

It is as important as ever that we stay the course: maintain social distancing, stay home whenever possible, and wash your hands often. These measures continue to be the best defence against COVID-19, and the best way to protect our families, our communities, and our territory.

Department of Health Services

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of April 28
Medical Travel	206
Public	136
Total	342

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
April 29	38
April 30	15
May 1	19
May 2	6
May 3	14

Critical Worker Requests

As of April 28, there are 786 requests, 597 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	646	82.2%
Denied	99	12.6%
Pending	41	5.2%
Total	786	100%

Department of Health Services, April 27, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

The new Order Respecting Social Distancing and Gatherings, which came into effect on April 24, replaces the mass gathering order issued on March 23, 2020.

The new order adds clarity around gatherings and social distancing and provides easy to understand scenarios that will help Nunavummiut more easily follow the order. It will also help businesses understand how to adjust their operations to ensure public safety and continued operation. Finally, the changes will also assist law enforcement and peace officers to more easily interpret the intent of the order in the unlikely event there is a need for enforcement.

I’d like to outline some of the new definitions and information provided in the new order.

Food service establishments and licensed premises remain closed. Restaurants can still provide options for take-out or delivery, as long as they abide by the rules of social distancing while doing so.

All businesses deemed as Personal Service Providers must also remain closed. These include hair dressing, barbering, massage therapy, and other similar establishments. Additionally, dentists, veterinarians, and psychologists must remain closed, except for emergencies. Public playgrounds, municipal parks, and day-use areas of territorial parks also remain closed.

Though still subject to closures and limitations, the following businesses are permitted to remain open: any business large enough to maintain a two-metre social distance within the workplace, or businesses that limit customers to no more than five at a time. The five-at-a-time rule does not apply to businesses that are large enough to maintain social distancing throughout the entire premise, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and similar facilities.

The order provides a definition to gatherings. All organized public gatherings of more than five people remain prohibited. This includes concerts, community events, sporting events, and ceremonies such as marriages, funerals, or memorial services.

Finally, all social gatherings, including social gatherings in private dwellings, shall be restricted to five persons or fewer. This includes play groups, club meetings, and meals with individuals who do not reside together.

This new order does not mean that restrictions are being loosened, or that the Government of Nunavut has re-assessed the territory’s position or tolerance for risk. Instead, the definitions under this new order have been aligned with definitions being applied in other jurisdictions. This makes restrictive measures clearer and more consistent in their application and enforcement.

It is strongly recommended that Nunavummiut limit contact with anyone who is not a member of their immediate household. Any social gathering carries a degree of risk, especially when we are looking at individuals from multiple different households mingling together. Nunavummiut must still exercise caution at all times, practise social distancing to the greatest extent possible, and wash hands and all shared surfaces thoroughly and often.

The previous order met the intended purpose of providing necessary tools to help protect public health. However, The Government of Nunavut recognized the need to provide clearer language and definitions.

For this reason, the Department of Justice worked with the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) to prepare a new Order to ensure the language is clear and understandable while remaining true to its intent.

Department of Health Services

NEW HOURS: COVID Hotline

Need to talk to someone if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have recently travelled to or from an affected area? Do you have questions about travel to Nunavut or the isolation sites? Please call 975-8601 or 1-888-975-8601 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.to speak with someone. Please remember this line is for those who need it – and should not be used for general inquiries.

If you have questions or need help in an emergency, call your local health centre.

Dental Services

Emergency dental services only will be provided in Nunavut communities until further notice.

If you live in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, or Cambridge Bay and are experiencing severe dental pain or infection, you can contact the dental clinics listed below to report your problem.

Iqaluit: Regional Dental Coordinator at QGH @ 867-975-8600 ext 6206
Rankin Inlet Dental Clinic @ 867-645-2776
Cambridge Bay Dental Clinic @ 867-983-4171

If your call is not answered, please follow the instructions provided in the message.

Please do not visit a dental clinic unless you have been given a pre arranged appointment time. People showing up at these clinics without a pre arranged appointment time will not be seen.

We ask that you arrive to your appointment on time, as we may be unable to accommodate late arrivals.

For those not living in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet or Cambridge Bay and who are experiencing severe dental pain or infection, please call your local health centre.

Travellers

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of April 26
Medical Travel	221
Public	118
Total	339

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
April 24	3
April 25	0
April 26	14
April 27	72

Critical Worker Requests

As of April 26, there are 743 requests, 560 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	613	82.5%
Denied	90	12.1%
Pending	40	5.4%
Total	743	100%

Department of Health Services, April 24, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

I’d like to announce that today the Government of Nunavut is rolling out a free online self-assessment tool for COVID-19. This resource is user-friendly, available in all four official languages, and can be accessed through the Government of Nunavut webpage at https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus.

The purpose of this self-assessment tool is to provide Nunavummiut with real-time information and recommendations based on self-reported symptoms or recent travel history. The tool will help Nunavummiut determine whether they should self-isolate, and when they should contact a health care service provider for additional follow-up or testing.

This tool is meant to supplement the existing resources that are already available, and it is not a replacement for social distancing and good hygiene, such as washing regularly. Mass gatherings are still banned, and everyone is still required to follow the rules.

Nunavummiut who don’t have access to online resources but believe that they are displaying COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, are encouraged to call the COVID Hotline at 1-888-975-8601. You can also ask someone with internet access to complete the self-assessment on your behalf by sharing with them your travel history and any symptoms that you may be experiencing.

Department of Health Services

Dental Services

Emergency dental services only will be provided in Nunavut communities until further notice.

If you live in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, or Cambridge Bay and are experiencing severe dental pain or infection, you can contact the dental clinics listed below to report your problem.

Iqaluit: Regional Dental Coordinator at QGH @ 867-975-8600 ext 6206
Rankin Inlet Dental Clinic @ 867-645-2776
Cambridge Bay Dental Clinic @ 867-983-4171

If your call is not answered, please follow the instructions provided in the message.

Please do not visit a dental clinic unless you have been given a pre arranged appointment time. People showing up at these clinics without a pre arranged appointment time will not be seen.

We ask that you arrive to your appointment on time, as we may be unable to accommodate late arrivals.

For those not living in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet or Cambridge Bay and who are experiencing severe dental pain or infection, please call your local health centre.

Face covering requirements for air travellers

The Government of Canada is directly that all travellers (with limited exceptions) must have a removable non-medical mask or face covering large enough to cover their mouth and nose during their travel through Canadian airports and in-flight. This directive is in effect as of Monday, April 20, 2020 at 12:00 ET.

Customers who do not have mandatory face covering will not be allowed to travel. Please note that these coverings do not need to be medical masks. Any face covering including a scarf or similar item is acceptable.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of April 23
Medical Travel	218
Public	117
Total	335

Traveller repatriation summary:

Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
April 24	3
April 25	0
April 26	14
April 27	72

Critical Worker Requests

As of April 23, there are 691 requests, 514 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	568	82.2%
Denied	87	12.6%
Pending	36	5.2%
Total	691	100%

Department of Health Services, April 22, 2020

Face covering requirements for air travellers

The Government of Canada is directing that all travellers (with limited exceptions) must have a removable non-medical mask or face covering large enough to cover their mouth and nose during their travel through Canadian airports and in-flight. This directive is in effect as of Monday, April 20, 2020 at 12:00 ET.

Customers who do not have mandatory face coverings will not be allowed to travel. Please note that these coverings do not need to be medical masks. Any face covering including a scarf or similar item is acceptable.

Isolation Sites

The information package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of April 22
Medical Travel	202
Public	116
Total	318

Traveller repatriation summary:

Location	Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
Ottawa	April 22	8
Winnipeg	April 22	14
Yellowknife	April 23	9
Edmonton	April 23	1
Yellowknife	April 24	1
Edmonton	April 24	2

Critical Worker Requests

As of April 21, there are 653 requests, 498 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	543	83.4%
Denied	68	10.4%
Pending	42	6.1%
Total	653	100%

Department of Health Services, April 20, 2020

Department of Health Services

Face covering requirements for air travellers

Isolation Sites

The information package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of April 20
Medical Travel	198
Public	138
Students	1
Total	337

Traveller repatriation summary:

Location	Departure Date	# of Travellers from Isolation Sites
Ottawa	April 20	3
Winnipeg	April 21	10
Yellowknife	April 21	4
Edmonton	April 21	4
Ottawa	April 22	8
Winnipeg	April 22	14
Yellowknife	April 23	9
Edmonton	April 23	1
Yellowknife	April 24	1
Edmonton	April 24	2

Critical workers travel applications

As of April 19, there are 616 requests, 472 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	514	83.4%
Denied	64	10.4%
Pending	38	6.1%
Total	616	100%

Department of Health Services, April 17, 2020

Isolation Sites

The information package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

COVID Hotline

Need to talk to someone if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have recently travelled to or from an affected area? Do you have questions about travel to Nunavut or the isolation sites? Please call 975-8601 or 1-888-975-8601 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to speak with someone. Please remember this line is for those who need it – and should not be used for general inquiries.

If you have questions or need help in an emergency, call your local health centre.

Volumes

Total (All Isolation Locations)
Traveler Type	Guests in Isolation as of April 17
Medical Travel	212
Public	144
Students	1
Total	357

Traveller repatriation summary:

April 17

Winnipeg (Scheduled flight)
Medical travellers	2
Students	0
Public	0
Total	2

Yellowknife (Scheduled flight)
Medical travellers	6
Students	0
Public	8
Total	14

April 18

Yellowknife (Scheduled flight)
Medical travellers	1
Students	0
Public	3
Total	4

Edmonton (Scheduled Flight)
Medical travellers	2
Students	0
Public	4
Total	6

Travelers requests

As of April 16, there are 595 requests, 459 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	498	83.7%
Denied	61	10.3%
Pending	36	6.0%
Total	595	100%

Department of Health Services, April 15, 2020

Isolation Sites

The information package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

COVID Hotline

Need to talk to someone if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have recently travelled to or from an affected area? Do you have questions about travel to Nunavut or the isolation sites? Please call 975-8601 or 1-888-975-8601 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to speak with someone. Please remember this line is for those who need it – and should not be used for general inquiries.

If you have questions or need help in an emergency, call your local health centre.

Volumes

TOTAL (ALL ISOLATION LOCATIONS)
Traveler Type	Guests In Isolation as of April 14
Medical	192
Public	108
Students	1
Total	301

Traveller repatriation summary:

April 15

Ottawa (Scheduled Flight)
Medical travellers	7
Students	0
Public	3
Total	10

Winnipeg (Scheduled)
Medical travellers	4
Students	0
Public	1
Total	5

Travelers requests

As of April 14, there are 557 requests, 431 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	461	82.8%
Denied	57	10.2%
Pending	39	7.0%
Total	557	100%

Department of Health Services, April 14, 2020

Isolation Sites

The information package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

Volumes

TOTAL (ALL ISOLATION LOCATIONS)
Traveler Type	Guests In Isolation as of April 13
Medical	191
Public	101
Students	1
Total	293

Traveller repatriation summary:

April 14

Winnipeg (Scheduled)
Medical travellers	23
Students	0
Public	1
Total	24

Yellowknife (Scheduled flight)
Medical travellers	11
Students	0
Public	2
Total	13

Edmonton (Scheduled flight)
Medical travellers	2
Students	0
Public	1
Total	3

Travel requests

As of April 13, there are 527 requests, 425 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	425	80.7%
Denied	56	10.6%
Pending	46	8.7%
Total	527	100%

Department of Health Services, April 9, 2020

Chief Public Health Officer update

It has now been over two weeks since the travel ban into Nunavut was put into place.

This means that many Nunavummiut currently in the south are coming to the end of their mandatory 14-day isolation periods. It is time for many of these residents to return home.

The mandatory rules we put in place in our isolation sites are very strict. I think it is important to remind everyone that for 14 days, residents are:

Confined in their hotel rooms most of the day.
Have no physical contact with other residents undergoing isolation and no physical contact with the general population.
Are allowed only monitored outings on hotel grounds.
Must have daily health check-ins with on-site nurses.
Are held responsible if they break isolation.

There are no exceptions.

These measures are a first step and they ensure Nunavummiut who want to come home, as well as their families and communities, remain healthy and safe.

The second step is bringing residents home. I want to take a moment and outline this process:

48 hours before anticipated departure, travellers are informed on the clearance and travel process.
The day before departure, the nurses on-site review each traveller’s daily check-in logs to make sure they complied with the isolation rules. The nurses conduct a final in-person assessment to ensure travellers are healthy and show no symptoms of COVID-19.
The assessments and results are sent to my office – and a decision to clear a traveller for the scheduled return home is made and a letter approving travel is issued. Residents need both the letter and a proof of residency to return to the territory.
The day of departure, residents approved for travel are transported from the hotel to the airport via a private shuttle, sanitized thoroughly before use.
The Government of Nunavut worked with airlines to minimize, to the greatest possible extent, the risk of anyone being exposed to COVID-19 during their travel back to the territory.
Airports have enhanced cleaning, sanitation and passenger procedures throughout the check-in and security process that ensure physical distancing. As an additional precaution, residents will also undergo an airline health check prior to boarding.
Until they arrive at their final destination in Nunavut, residents remain bound by the isolation agreement they signed the day they accepted to enter the isolation sites.
Residents will travel to Nunavut on both chartered and scheduled flights:
Residents travelling on chartered flights are shuttled directly to their airplane for boarding and take-off. Once in Nunavut, they will be chartered to their final in-territory destination.
Residents travelling on scheduled flights are dropped off at the airport, where they are met and guided by airline employees to check-in, through security, to the boarding area and finally on the plane. They do not come in contact with other travellers during this process and remain bound by their isolation agreement.

I want to thank our returning residents for going through these drastic measures to protect their communities and Nunavut.

As we welcome back friends, family members, and loved ones, it is more important than ever to follow the rules: All social gatherings are still banned, and all Nunavummiut, including those just returning to their home communities, are expected to do their part to keep Nunavut safe. Practice strict social distancing, stay home when possible, avoid contact with individuals outside of your household, and monitor your health.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

Isolation Sites

The information package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

Volumes

TOTAL (ALL ISOLATION LOCATIONS)
Traveler Type	Guests In Isolation as of April 8
Medical	252
Public	128
Students	58
Total	438

Traveller repatriation summary:

APRIL 10

Ottawa (Charter)
Medical travellers	14
Students	35
Public	0
Total	49

April 11

Winnipeg (Charter)
Medical travellers	4
Students	27
Public	1
Total	32

Yellowknife (Scheduled flight)
Medical travellers	41
Students	0
Public	4
Total	45

Edmonton (Scheduled flight
Medical travellers	4
Students	0
Public	1
Total	5

April 12

Ottawa (Charter)
Medical travellers	22
Students	0
Public	40
Total	62

Winnipeg (Charter)
Medical travellers	33
Students	0
Public	12
Total	45

Travel requests

As of April 8, there are 463 requests, 351 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	347	75.0%
Denied	51	11.0%
Pending	65	14.0%
Total	463	100%

Department of Health Services, April 8, 2020

Isolation Sites

Those in isolation have access to cable, internet, three meals a day, fresh linens and cleaning supplies. Garbage is picked up daily. These costs are covered by the Government of Nunavut. The GN will pay for diapers, baby formula and feminine products. Guests are responsible to order these products through the provided delivery services, but they will not be charged for the items.
The information package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

Volumes

TOTAL (ALL ISOLATION LOCATIONS)
Traveler Type	Guests In Isolation as of April 7
Medical	246
Public	125
Students	60
Total	431

Travel requests

As of April 7, there are 446 requests, 339 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	331	74.2%
Denied	49	11.0%
Pending	66	14.8%
Total	425	100%

Department of Health Services, April 7, 2020

Isolation Sites

The welcome package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

Volumes Isolation

TOTAL (ALL ISOLATION LOCATIONS)
Traveler Type	Guests In Isolation as of April 6
Medical	228
Public	121
Students	60
Total	409

Requests for travel

As of April 5, there are 408 requests, 313 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	317	74.6%
Denied	47	11.0%
Pending	61	14.4%
Total	425	100%

Department of Health Services, April 6, 2020

Public Health Officer statement:
Use of COVID-19 diagnostic equipment in Nunavut

As many are aware, Agnico Eagle Mine has brought COVID-19 diagnostic equipment to Rankin Inlet. This equipment will be used to test mine staff for COVID-19.

At this time there is no evidence that screening in this fashion is a substitute for 14 days of isolation. This is why Nunavut, and every other Canadian jurisdiction, is using 14 days of isolation after exposure or travel. As a result, I have informed management of Agnico Eagle Mines that these tests do not change the current requirement for mine staff to stay out of the town of Rankin Inlet.

The Department of Health is committed to improving and protecting the health of all Nunavummiut. For COVID-19 this means having testing equipment that meets Canadian standards and can be deployed to every community in Nunavut. The equipment used by AEM does not meet these criteria. If the Department of Health were to commit to using devices like this, we would not improve access to COVID testing for all Nunavummiut.

The Department of Health continues to work on acquiring diagnostic capability that can be rapidly deployed and will provide quick access to results for all Nunavummiut.

The combination of machines we continue to pursue will not only allow testing in all communities but will also improve our ability to rapidly diagnose a number of other infectious diseases that threaten Nunavummiut on a regular basis.

Testing for COVID-19 at the wrong time can produce incorrect results and create a false sense of reassurance.

As part of the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) effort to protect Nunavummiut against the risk of COVID-19, GN Departments are implementing the following:

Department of Health Services

The Public Health Emergency has been extended until April 16.

Isolation Sites

The welcome package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

TOTAL (ALL ISOLATION LOCATIONS)
Traveler Type	Guests In Isolation as of April 4
Medical	235
Public	113
Students	60
Total	408

Requests for travel

As of April 5, there are 408 requests, 313 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	305	74.8%
Denied	44	10.7%
Pending	59	14.5%
Total	408	100%

Ongoing services:

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, which means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

Mental Health and Addictions has moved to telephone check-in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick-up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre. Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case-by-case basis.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Only emergency dental services will be provided until further notice.

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families is cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

No visitors will be allowed at long-term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, April 3, 2020

The Public Health Emergency has been extended until April 16, 2020.

Only emergency dental services will be provided in all Nunavut communities until further notice.

If you live in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, or Cambridge Bay and are experiencing a severe dental pain or infection, you can contact the dental clinics listed below to report your problem. If your call is not answered, please follow the instructions provided in the message.

Iqaluit: Regional Dental Coordinator at QGH @ 867-975-8600 ext 6206
Rankin Inlet Dental Clinic @ 867-645-2776
Cambridge Bay Dental Clinic @ 867-983-4171

Please do not visit the dental clinic if you have not been given a pre-arranged appointment time. People showing up at these clinics without a pre-arranged appointment time will not be seen.

We ask that you arrive to your appointment on time, as we may be unable to accommodate late arrivals.

For those not living in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet or Cambridge Bay who are experiencing severe dental pain or infection, please call your local health centre.

Isolation Sites

Those in isolation have access to cable, internet, three meals a day, fresh linens and cleaning supplies. Garbage is picked up daily. These costs are covered by the Government of Nunavut.

The GN will pay for diapers, baby formula and feminine products. Guests are responsible to order these products through the provided delivery services, but they will not be charged for the items.

The welcome package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

TOTAL (ALL ISOLATION LOCATIONS)
Traveler Type	Guests In Isolation as of April 2
Medical	215
Public	96
Students	60
Total	371

Volumes

As of April 2 (a.m.) there are 385 travel requests, 288 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	267	69.4%
Denied	35	9.1%
Pending	83	21.5%
Total	385	100%

Department of Health Services, April 2, 2020

The Public Health Emergency has been extended until April 16, 2020.

Only emergency dental services will be provided in all Nunavut communities until further notice.

Iqaluit: Regional Dental Coordinator at QGH @ 867-975-8600 ext 6206
Rankin Inlet Dental Clinic @ 867-645-2776
Cambridge Bay Dental Clinic @ 867-983-4171

Please do not visit the dental clinic if you have not been given a pre-arranged appointment time. People showing up at these clinics without a pre-arranged appointment time will not be seen.

We ask that you arrive to your appointment on time, as we may be unable to accommodate late arrivals.

For those not living in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet or Cambridge Bay who are experiencing severe dental pain or infection, please call your local health centre.

Isolation Sites

Those in isolation have access to cable, internet, three meals a day, fresh linens and cleaning supplies. Garbage is picked up daily. These costs are covered by the Government of Nunavut.

The GN will pay for diapers, baby formula and feminine products. Guests are responsible to order these products through the provided delivery services, but they will not be charged for the items.

The welcome package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

TOTAL (ALL ISOLATION LOCATIONS)
Traveler Type	Guests In Isolation as of April 1
Medical	199
Public	86
Students	60
Total	345

Total number of people in isolation as of March 31: 315 – 178 are medical travellers, 78 are resident travellers and 59 are students.Volumes

As of April 2 (a.m.) there are 360 travel requests, 286 of which are critical worker requests.

Request Status	#	%
Approved (includes critical and non-critical)	247	68.6%
Denied	34	9.4%
Pending	79	21.0%
Total	360	100%

Ongoing services:

In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.
Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.
In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH are on reduced services. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.
Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) has moved to telephone check-in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick-up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre. Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case-by-case basis.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.
All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families is cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.
No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

Department of Health Services, April 1, 2020

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

All travellers are required to isolate at designated facilities outside of Nunavut for a period of 14 days, except for critical employees who are asymptomatic.

Individuals who are going to isolate are reminded not to show up the hotel until they have received confirmation from Health staff on their bookings.

Those returning to Nunavut require approval from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer and are asked to email @email.

If you are required to isolate, Health staff will be in touch with you. Toll free number for anyone that has recently travelled or has COVID-19 symptoms 1-888-975-8601 is being answered from 7:30-7:30.

The CPHO orders and the travel/critical worker protocol are posted: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Isolation

Those in isolation have access to cable, internet, three meals a day, fresh linens and cleaning supplies. Garbage is picked up daily.
These costs are covered by the Government of Nunavut. The GN will pay for diapers, baby formula and feminine products.
Guests are responsible to order these products through the provided delivery services, but they will not be charged for the items.
The welcome package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take-out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

Department of Health Services, March 31, 2020

Current numbers of Nunavut residents in isolation locations southern Canada

315 people are currently in isolation locations in southern Canada. 178 are Nunavummiut on medical travel, 78 are Nunavummiut returning to the territory and 59 are Nunavut students.

If you are investigation for COVID-19 and experiencing symptoms, you could be fined if you leave your home. Ask your neighbours/family/friends to leave groceries at your doorstep.
Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services continues. All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily.
Nunavummiut must call first before going to Qikiqtani General Hospital, Iqaluit Public Health or any Nunavut Health Centre. Find phone numbers for all health facilities at https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/health-centres
As of today, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
Only residents and critical workers are allowed into Nunavut.
No mass gatherings are permitted.
Physicians will continue community visits.
Visitation in all health facilities is limited to reduce the risk of transmission of illness.
Mental health supports are available.

Department of Health Services, March 30, 2020

All individuals identified as persons under investigation for COVID-19 (PUIs), are subject to a mandatory isolation order and will be fined should the mandatory isolation be broken. Fines can go up to $50,000 or up to six months in jail.

The CPHO travel orders and the travel/critical worker protocol can be found on: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

All travellers will be required to isolate at designated facilities outside of Nunavut for a period of 14 days, except for critical employees who are asymptomatic.

Those returning to Nunavut will require approval from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer and are asked to email @email.

Nunavummiut returning to Nunavut by way of land travel to Sanikiluaq, Arviat, and the Kitikmeot region are required to self-isolate at home for 14 days once they return to the territory.

Toll-free number for anyone who has recently travelled or has COVID-19 symptoms: 1-888-975-8601 is being answered from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Individuals who are self-isolating are required to stay at home, avoid contact with other people, and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after returning.

Department of Health Services, March 27, 2020

The CPHO travel orders and the travel/critical worker protocol have now been posted to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

All travellers will be required to isolate at designated facilities outside of Nunavut for a period of 14 days, except for critical employees who are asymptomatic.

Those returning to Nunavut will require approval from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer and are asked to email @email.

Nunavummiut returning to Nunavut by way of land travel to Sanikiluaq, Arviat, and the Kitikmeot region, are required to self-isolate at home for 14 days once they return to the territory.

Toll free number for anyone that has recently travelled or has COVID-19 symptoms:
1-888-975-8601 is being answered from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Individuals who are self-isolating are required to stay at home, avoid contact with other people, and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after returning.

Department of Health Services, March 26, 2020

The CPHO travel orders and the travel/critical worker protocol have now been posted to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

All travellers will be required to isolate at designated facilities outside of Nunavut for a period of 14 days, except for critical employees who are asymptomatic.

Those returning to Nunavut will require approval from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer and are asked to email @email.

Toll free number for anyone that has recently travelled or has COVID-19 symptoms: 1-888-975-8601 is being answered from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Ongoing services:

Access to health care services will remain available in all communities 7 days a week.
All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily.
Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services are and will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All clients are asked to call before presenting at a health facility.
In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.
Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.
In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH are on reduced services. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.
Mental Health and Addictions has moved to telephone check in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre.
Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case by case basis.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.
All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families is cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Health Services, March 25, 2020

Ongoing services:

Access to health care services will remain available in all communities seven days a week.
All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily.
Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services are and will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All clients are asked to call before presenting at a health facility.
In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged; this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.
Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions
In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH are on reduced services. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.
MHA has moved to telephone check-in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre.
Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case-by-case basis.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

All non-emergent Obstetrics comprehensive ultrasounds (all regions) are temporarily postponed. All pending appointments are being assessed by Chief of Obstetrics.
The Wednesday evening clinics at QGH have been suspended until further notice

Department of Health Services, March 24, 2020

Effective March 25, 2020, all travellers will be required to self-isolate at designated facilities outside of Nunavut for a period of 14 days, except for critical employees who are asymptomatic. Those returning to Nunavut will require approval from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

Information on Residents and Critical Workers Travel

Nunavummiut who want to return to Nunavut during the travel ban must enter a mandatory 14-day isolation period at one of four locations in southern Canada. Please contact @email for direction.

Critical employees who must return to work in Nunavut during the travel ban must apply for an exemption approved by the Chief Public Health Officer. For information on the process, please contact @email for direction.

Need to talk to someone if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have recently travelled to or from an affected area? Please call 975-8601 or 1-888-975-8601 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.to speak with someone. Please remember this line is for those who need it – and should not be used for general inquiries!

The information on the toll free number, the CPHO orders and the travel/critical worker protocol has now been posted to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Nunavummiut must call first before going to Qikiqtani General Hospital, Iqaluit Public Health or any Nunavut Health Centre. Find phone numbers for all health facilities at https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/health-centres

Ongoing services:

Mental Health and Addictions has moved to telephone check in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre.
Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case by case basis.
Access to health care services will remain available in all communities 7 days a week.
All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily.
Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services are and will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All clients are asked to call before presenting at a health facility.
In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.
In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments.
Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH are on reduced services.
All upcoming appointments are being triaged.
MHA has moved to telephone check in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre.
Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case by case basis.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

The Wednesday evening clinics at QGH have been suspended until further notice
Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.
Qikiqtani General Hospital cafeteria is closed to the public.
All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled.
All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Health Services, March 23, 2020

Ongoing services:

Access to health care services will remain available in all communities seven days a week. All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily. Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services are and will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All clients are asked to call before presenting at a health facility.
In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.
In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH are on reduced services. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.
MHA has moved to telephone check-in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick-up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre.
Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case-by-case basis.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.
All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled

Department of Health Services Update - March 20, 2020

MHA has moved to telephone check-in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre.

Ongoing services:

Access to health care services will remain available in all communities 7 days a week.
All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily.
Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services are and will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All clients are asked to call before presenting at a health facility.
In Iqaluit: public health, the emergency room and the inpatient unit will all remain open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.

Adjusted services:

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.
In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments.
Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH are on reduced services. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.
MHA has moved to telephone check in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre.
Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case by case basis.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled.
Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.
All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled.
All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Health Services update - March 19, 2020

A Public Health Emergency has been declared.

All Health essential services to continue.
All Health staff are essential and will be re-deployed as necessary.

Health is instituting a screening process for all medical travel clients before receiving clearance to travel home.

Community members are asked to avoid attending health centres and the hospital whenever possible to avoid risk of transmission of viral illness.

Ongoing services:

Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services continues territory-wide.
Emergency dental treatment remains available in Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, and Iqaluit. Travel, if approved, will be to the nearest appropriate facility from the client’s place of residence.
Mental Health Services remain available and unchanged in communities.
Mental Health Nurse services at Qikiqtani General Hospital remain available and unchanged.
The Mental Health Program will be hosting community radio shows across the territory where possible
The Youth Wellness team is offering phone-based counselling support:
- Current clients and others who need support may call 867-979-7661.
- For new referrals, please contact Susan Mazur at 867-975-5999.
Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth. Visiting physicians will undergo screening.
In Iqaluit, Public Health remains open.
Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
Mental Health services remain the same in communities.
Options are being pursued for additional crisis debriefing and counselling support via telephone and telehealth.
The office of patient relations can be contacted at the usual email address: @email.
Boarding homes have enhanced their cleaning protocols.

Adjusted services:

Direct patient relations phone service is currently unavailable, but a solution is being developed.
In Iqaluit; mental health counselling will be completed by phone (via central intake phone line: 867-975-5999).
At Qikiqtani General Hospital: For non-emergency situations please call first before coming to the hospital. Clinical sessions will be completed over the phone where possible.
Health is limiting visitations to Qikiqtani General Hospital and community health centres.
At Qikiqtani General Hospital: visitors are restricted to one visitor per patient (preference given to parents and escorts).
Rehab appointments are being assessed, and some may be postponed.
Youth wellness team is available only to meet with youth on a 1:1 basis by appointment
All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily.
Outpatients are redirected at Akausisarvik so they do not mix with the residents.
Youth workers are not having drop-in hours or any group activities but are still available to see youth 1:1 if necessary.
All Continuing Care Centres have been instructed to restrict visitation where possible – and for those coming into the facility be screened before entering.
Qikiqtani General Hospital and Health Centres have limited visitation. One visitor per patient.

Closed/Cancelled/Suspended services:

Cafeteria access at Qikiqtani General Hospital is restricted.
All regularly scheduled dental services are cancelled until further notice.
At Community Health Centres: visitation to Health Care Facilities has stopped.
All non-essential medical travel outside of the territory, has been postponed:
- Appointments that are postponed will be either rescheduled to a later date, moved to telehealth, or will be completed in-territory.
- Health is working with referring specialists to prioritize essential medical travel.
- All medical travel clients will be screened for possible COVID-19 illness prior to receiving clearance to travel home.
- Travellers unable to return home immediately will remain on medical travel status – they will be provided support for meals, accommodation, transportation and case management.
- If required, isolation will be supported via private rooms at boarding homes or hotels.
All in-person training courses facilitated by the Quality of Life Secretariat scheduled for March and April are cancelled.
In-territory specialty clinics are cancelled.
Youth Wellness Team drop-in counselling sessions, afterschool programs, outreach, and camps scheduled for March and April are cancelled.

COVID-19 Department of Health Services update

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