COVID-19 GN Update - August 17, 2020

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

The total number of persons followed to date is 2,023. There are 252 persons currently being followed.

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

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

Traveller repatriation summary:

Critical Worker Requests

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

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 Community and Government Services

Requests to enter the territory for construction related projects or to travel within the territory for construction related projects can be emailed to @email

Construction workers who completed isolation to date: 932

Government of Nunavut offices are open to the public. Our offices are following WSCC guidelines, and we are happy to be able to welcome Nunavummiut back to help with program and service delivery. 

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.