COVID-19 GN Update - June 4, 2020

Minister of Health on behalf of the Premier update:

Good morning. There are still no confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut.

Today, the total number of people under investigation to date is 1,122. 106 people are currently under investigation.

Starting Monday, June 8, Iqaluit’s Beer and Wine Store will be open for Elders over 60 only from 1-4 p.m. on Mondays. This is a measure to ensure social distancing and avoiding crowds for our Elders, and I ask that everyone respect and be mindful of that. I also want to remind everyone that having someone else purchase your daily limit at the Beer and Wine Store is considered bootlegging.

I want to remind people that no matter what you do this weekend, please maintain two metres of physical distance, wash your hands often and stay home if you feel unwell.

Our measures continue to keep us safe. Now that we’re easing restrictions, we must all continue doing our part to keep each other safe and well.

Minister of Family Services update

Ullaakkut,

As part of the Government of Canada response to the COVID 19 pandemic, seniors who are in receipt of either the Old Age Security (OAS) or the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will receive a one-time tax-free payment.

Those seniors eligible for the Old Age Security Pension will receive an additional $300 and those seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement will receive an additional $200.

This payment will be available to all individuals who are already eligible to receive the Old Age Security pension or the Guaranteed Income Supplement in June 2020. The payments will be automatically applied.

The Government of Nunavut is committed to ensuring our seniors are well provided for. As such, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Nunavut has enacted an exemption regulation for this one-time payment increase to OAS and GIS. This will provide the maximum amount of funds from the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut to seniors on Income Assistance who are vulnerable and financial insecure.

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

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 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

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

Traveller repatriation summary:

Critical Worker Requests

As of June 2, there are 1,352 requests, 1025 of which are critical worker requests.

Department of Community and Government services

GN office buildings in all communities remain closed to the public at this time. If a member of the public needs to meet with GN staff, alternate arrangements need to be made. Please call ahead of time and make an appointment.

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.