COVID-19 GN Update - April 14, 2020
Premier’s update:
There are still no confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut.
Today, the total number of people under investigation to date is 399. 218 people are currently under investigation and 181 people are no longer under investigation.
Earlier today, the federal government announced $35.8 million in funding to Nunavut for our health system, our airlines, additional support for Nutrition North and support for small businesses. While we welcome these funds and the relief it brings, Nunavut needs more, and we need it now. Nunavut is chronically underfunded, and we cannot be expected to deal with this new global reality from behind the starting line. We see this as a solid foundation, and we will work with the Government of Canada to build on this initial investment into our territory during COVID-19.
The Government of Nunavut is currently providing $2.25 million weekly to our airlines, to maintain basic scheduling and to help keep the industry operating. We need more investment from the Government of Canada in this area. Air travel is our only link between communities and the rest of Canada – it is vital that we maintain this service and ensure its viability after this pandemic.
Since April 10, 230 Nunavummiut have returned into the territory after their mandatory 14-day isolation period in the southern hubs.
It deserves to be repeated that Nunavut has an incredibly strict and thorough isolation plan in place for residents coming back into the territory. We are taking no chances with the safety and well-being of Nunavummiut at this time. Our medical experts have developed this isolation and travel plan, with the best available information and experience. I trust in this process.
It’s worth noting that the federal government announced today that they are introducing similar measures. These measures are hard, but they work.
I want to remind Nunavummiut that we are doing everything we can to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our territory. Thanks again for your patience and for your trust as we work through these difficult, ever-changing times.
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
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 13 |
|
Medical |
191 |
| Public | 101 |
| Students | 1 |
| Total | 293 |
Traveller repatriation summary:
April 14
|
Medical travellers |
23 |
| Students | 0 |
| Public | 1 |
| Total | 24 |
|
Medical travellers |
11 |
| Students | 0 |
| Public | 2 |
| Total | 13 |
|
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% |
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.