COVID-19 GN Update - June 14, 2021
Press Secretary’s update on behalf of Premier Savikataaq:
Good morning. Premier Savikataaq is in a meeting this morning with his territorial Premier colleagues, so I’ll be filling in for this update.
We’re announcing no new cases today. There remain nine total active cases in the territory.
So far, 18,009 people in Nunavut have received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine, and 15,808 are now fully vaccinated.
Premier wanted me to remind all Nunavummiut that the COVID-19 vaccines are our best protection against the virus, and that with the Pfizer clinics starting this week, he’s hoping parents make appointments for their 12-17 year old’s, as well as themselves if they haven’t been vaccinated already.
As you saw yesterday, Aqsarniit Middle School is open today for their cohort A students. Contact tracing is ongoing, and students and staff affected will be swabbed today. Depending on those results, we will determine how to proceed tomorrow. Stay tuned for updates on that.
I’m a parent, and I do understand concerns about the safety and well-being of our kids. However, a lot has changed over this school year and how we determine how to handle cases with the availability of vaccines, and evidence-based practices.
In other news, I’m pleased to let you know that the Chief Public Health Officer has worked closely with Agnico Eagle Mines to approve a protocol to have Nunavummiut employees from the Kivalliq return to work.
The return-to-work process will be voluntary to begin, and not all employees will return to site at the same time, to ensure a gradual approach.
Agnico Eagle Mines will be reaching out to their employees directly and hope to finalize their plans over the next two to 3 weeks.
To wrap up, I’ll end with what Premier always says at our updates: Mask up. Wash your hands often. Keep strict physical distance. Keep you bubbles small. Get vaccinated and now, help your teens get vaccinated too.
Stay kind and positive to one another. Do the right thing for yourself, your family and everyone around you. Take care and stay safe.
Chief Public Health Officer Update:
Good morning,
In Iqaluit, Public health continues to follow-up on the cases of COVID-19 that resulted in two exposure notices last week, as well as the new cases announced on Friday.
After extensive testing of contacts from staff and clients of the boarding home we have had no additional positive cases of the virus and there is no evidence of transmission at the boarding home. As a result, medical travellers can start going home as early as today.
We are also not aware of any transmission due to the emergency room exposure notice. We are contact tracing and asking people to get tested if they were there. Testing can be arranged by calling the COVID hotline, going to the cadet hall walk up clinic or the mobile testing unit around the city.
Regarding schools in Iqaluit, we are expecting test results from swabs taken from classmates and contacts of Cohort B students at Aqsarniit Illiniarvik. If any of these tests come back positive today, we will reassess the school opening in a manner that reduces risk and that allows students to continue their education.
The Department of Health does regular surveillance testing at the schools to help ensure we can track and contain the virus quickly.
This week, youth vaccines will start rolling out across the territory for youth ages 12 to 17. Youth who go to a clinic without a parent will be assessed by the nurse to ensure they are making an informed choice. If the nurse feels parental consent is required, the youth will be asked to come back with a parent. Appointments can be made by calling the health centres. Information on the clinics is also available on the GN website and posted on community social media pages.
Beginning today, individuals who are fully vaccinated no longer need to isolate after travel. This decision was not made lightly. It was taken based on the current evidence and is part of a gradual approach to easing measures that ensures the risks of introduction and spread of the virus are reduced so that we do not inadvertently create a situation where we have multiple outbreaks across the territory.
Our under 18 population is currently unvaccinated. As youth 12-17 get their vaccine and as more adults complete vaccination, the risk of getting and transmitting the virus will drop significantly. In addition, current public health measures including mandatory masks territory-wide will help to reduce risk.
Finally, I would like to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and I urge families to talk to youth about the vaccine so they can make an informed choice. Please make an appointment to get your vaccine, for the health of your family, friends and your community. The higher the uptake of the vaccine, the lower the risk and the better our chances to further ease restrictions and put an end to the threat 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
For information on upcoming vaccine clinics go to: https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination
Vaccine Clinic Schedule
| Arctic Bay (Mass Clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 17 - 18 | Health Centre |
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
867-439-8873 |
| 2 | July 14 - 16 | Health Centre |
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
867-439-8873 |
| Arviat (Mass clinic) |
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| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | Every Saturday starting June 19 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 867-857-3100 |
| 2 | Every Saturday starting July 10 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 867-857-3100 |
| Baker Lake (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 24 to 26 | Community Arena | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-793-2816 |
| 2 | July 15 to 17 | Community Arena | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-793-2816 |
| Cambridge Bay (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 28 to 30 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867 983-4500 |
| 2 | July 21 - 23 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867 983-4500 |
| Chesterfield Inlet | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | Appointments start June 21 | Health Centre | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. | 867-898-9968 |
| Clyde River (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 15 to 17 | Quluaq School | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-924-6377 |
| 2 | July 6 to 8 | Quluaq School | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-924-6377 |
| Coral Harbour (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 22 | Health Centre | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-925-9916 |
| 2 | July 13 | Health Centre | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-925-9916 |
| Gjoa Haven (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 21 to 22 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-360-7741 |
| 2 | July 15 to 16 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-360-7741 |
| Grise Fiord | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | Appointments start June 17 | Health Centre | Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | 867-980-9923 |
| Igloolik (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 16 to 18 | Community Hall | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-934-2100 |
| 2 | July 7,8 &10 | Community Hall | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-934-2100 |
| Iqaluit (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 16 to 19 | Curling Rink (TBD) | 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Walk-in |
| 2 | July 14 to 17 | Curling Rink (TBD) | 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Walk-in |
| Kimmirut | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | Appointments start June 18 | Health Centre |
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
867-939-2217 |
| Kinngait (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 18, 19 and 21 | Small Community Hall (sewing centre) | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-897-8820 |
| 2 | July 12 to 14 | Small Community Hall (sewing centre) | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-897-8820 |
| Kugaaruk (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 18 to 19 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-769-6441 |
| 2 | July 12 to 13 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-769-6441 |
| Kugluktuk (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | July 5 and 6 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-982-4531 |
| 2 | July 27 and 28 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-982-4531 |
| Naujaat (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 16 and 17 | Health Centre | 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-462-9916 |
| 2 | July 7 and 8 | Health Centre | 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-462-9916 |
| Pangnirtung (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 15 to 17 | Community Hall/Hamlet Building | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-473-8977 |
| 2 | July 6 to 8 | Community Hall/Hamlet Building | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-473-8977 |
| Pond Inlet (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 15 to 17 | Nasivvik High School | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-899-7500 |
| 2 | July 6 to 8 | Nasivvik High School | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-899-7500 |
| Qikiqtarjuaq | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | Appointments start June 15 | Health Centre |
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 |
867-927-8916 |
| Rankin Inlet (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 22 | Community Recreation Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-645-8070 |
| 2 | July 13 | Community Recreation Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-645-8070 |
| Resolute Bay | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | Appointments start June 17 | Health Centre |
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 |
867-252-3844 |
| Sanikiluaq | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 19 | New Health Centre | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-266-8965 |
| 2 | July 10 | New Health Centre | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-266-8965 |
| Sanirajak | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | Appointments start June 16 | Health Centre |
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 |
867-928-8827 |
| Taloyoak (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 24 to 25 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-561-5111 |
| 2 | July 18 to 19 | Health Centre | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 867-561-5111 |
| Whale Cove (Mass clinic) | ||||
| Dose # | Date | Location | Time | Number |
| 1 | June 19 | Health Centre | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-896-9916 |
| 2 | July 10 | Health Centre | Noon to 9 p.m. | 867-896-9916 |
For information on upcoming vaccine clinics go to https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination.
COVID-19 case status: June 14
| Total Tests | Total confirmed cases | Total active cases | Total recovered cases | Deaths | Total persons followed | Current persons followed |
| 17,063 | 657 | 9 | 644 | 4 | 8656 | 437 |
* 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 community case statistics: June 14
| Community |
Active COVID-19 transmission |
Time period | Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday | Confirmed COVID-19 cases today | Change in case count +/- from previous day | Deaths | Recovered Cases | Total active cases |
| Iqaluit | Ongoing | Since 14/04/2021 | 253 | 253 | 0 | 0 | 244 | 9 |
| Kinngait | Ongoing | Since 19/04/2021 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Rankin Inlet | Ongoing | Since 24/04/2021 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Arviat | over |
11/2020 – 04/2021 |
339 | 339 | 0 | 1 | 338 | 0 |
| Whale Cove | over |
11/2020 – 02/2021 |
23 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 |
| Rankin Inlet | over |
11/2020 – 12/2020 |
19 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 |
| Sanikiluaq | over |
11/2020 – 12/2020 |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 645 | 645 | 0 | 1 | 635 | 9 |
COVID-19 vaccination status: June 14
| Nunavut Total Population Estimates by Community, as of July 1 2020 | Vaccine uptake Meditech numbers as of May 31, 2021 | |||||
| Total | 18 and over | Done 1 dose | % | Done 2 dose | % | |
| Nunavut | 39,353 | 24,878 | 18,025 | 72% | 15,169 | 62% |
| Qikiqtaaluk Region | 20,822 | 13,359 | 10,564 | 79% | 8,772 | 66% |
|
Arctic Bay |
946 | 530 |
391 |
74% | 323 | 61% |
| Clyde River | 1,192 | 688 | 503 | 73% | 450 | 65% |
| Grise Fiord | 140 | 96 | 81 | 84% | 39 | 41% |
| Igloolik | 1,987 | 1,094 | 543 | 50% | 440 | 40% |
| Iqaluit | 8,284 | 6,049 | 5,806 | 96% | 4,873 | 81% |
| Kimmirut | 427 | 265 | 199 | 75% | 166 | 63% |
| Kinngait | 1,547 | 923 | 534 | 58% | 443 | 48% |
| Pangnirtung | 1,631 | 1,008 | 689 | 68% | 542 | 54% |
| Pond Inlet | 1,794 | 1,031 | 662 | 64% | 552 | 54% |
| Qikiqtarjuaq | 651 | 421 | 250 | 59% | 206 | 49% |
| Resolute Bay | 218 | 136 | 197 | 145% | 133 | 98% |
| Sanikiluaq | 1,014 | 573 | 358 | 62% | 287 | 50% |
| Sanirajak | 1,000 | 545 | 351 | 64% | 318 | 58% |
| Kivalliq Region | 11,388 | 7,011 | 4,641 | 66% | 3,985 | 57% |
| Arviat | 2,918 | 1,696 | 1,273 | 75% | 1,068 | 63% |
| Baker Lake | 2,265 | 1,471 | 882 | 60% | 722 | 49% |
| Chesterfield Inlet | 453 | 287 | 208 | 72% | 164 | 57% |
| Coral Harbour | 973 | 554 | 283 | 51% | 243 | 44% |
| Naujaat | 1,270 | 648 | 371 | 57% | 305 | 47% |
| Rankin Inlet | 3,026 | 2,089 | 1,450 | 69% | 1,350 | 65% |
| Whale Cove | 483 | 266 | 174 | 65% | 133 | 50% |
| Kitikmeot Region | 7,143 | 4,508 | 2,820 | 63% | 2,412 | 54% |
| Cambridge Bay | 1,902 | 1,352 | 1,050 | 78% | 946 | 70% |
| Gjoa Haven | 1,398 | 836 | 434 | 52% | 368 | 44% |
| Kugaaruk | 1,180 | 650 | 320 | 49% | 227 | 35% |
| Kugluktuk | 1,517 | 1,000 | 586 | 59% | 500 | 50% |
| Taloyoak | 1,143 | 670 | 430 | 64% | 371 | 55% |
This information shows the number of doses given in a community as of June 14, 2021.
The percentage of vaccine administered is vaccine administered divided by the Nunavut population estimate for 18 and older.
Territorial totals for doses are an accurate summary. The community level data is under review to ensure appropriate attribution. Community totals will be adjusted as needed. This may lead to minor fluctuations in the percentages by community.
Doses are typically attributed to the community in which they are administered.
Total doses given will include residents and non-residents, including rotational workers.
An individual may have received dose 1 and/or dose 2 outside of their community of residence.
This does not account for people who may have been vaccinated partially or fully out of territory.
A high percentage in one community does not equal herd immunity. There is no established or defined percentage of what herd immunity is for COVID-19. Whatever herd immunity may be, it cannot achieved with current vaccine approvals (e.g. no vaccine available for children under twelve).
Source: Statistics Canada, Demography Division, Special tabulations. Prepared by: Nunavut Bureau of Statistics, January 27, 2021.
Dose numbers are from the Department of Health’s Meditech system.
Eligible adults in community are defined as the number of individuals 18 and older as per the 2020 population estimates.
The community population estimates are "non-official" since they are not based on components of population growth (births, deaths and migration). They should be used with caution.
Testing stats to date: June 14
| Community | Tests Positive | Tests Negative |
| Iqaluit | 253 | 5024 |
| Kinngait | 7 | 200 |
| Rankin Inlet | 2 | 147 |
| Arviat | 339 | 2,883 |
| Whale Cove | 23 | 352 |
| Rankin Inlet | 19 | 339 |
| Sanikiluaq | 2 | 202 |
| TOTAL | 645 | 9,147 |
Isolation population:
| Traveler Type | Guests in Isolation as of June 14 |
| Medical | 306 |
| Public | 156 |
| EMTI | 34 |
| Construction | 50 |
| Total | 546 |
Traveller repatriation summary:
| Departure Date | # of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites |
| June 12, 2021 | 36 |
| June 13, 2021 | 31 |
| June 14, 2021 | 75 |
| June 15, 2021 | 72 |
| June 16, 2021 | 47 |
| Total | 261 |
Critical Worker Requests:
As of June 14, there were 17,772 requests, 8,836 of which were critical worker requests.
| Request Status | # | % |
| Approved (includes critical and non-critical) | 13,958 | 78.5% |
| Denied | 317 | 1.8% |
| Pending | 570 | 3.2% |
| Common Travel Area | 2,927 | 16.5% |
| Total | 17,772 | 100% |
Department of Education Services
New developments in programs/ services:
On Friday, June 11, 2021, the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19 at Aqsarniit Illiniarvik. Both positive cases occurred through household transmission and there is no evidence of school transmission. These individuals were in Cohort B. Aqsarniit Illiniarvik is open today, Monday, June 14, for Cohort A students.
Based on the recommendation of the CPHO, all schools in Iqaluit, including Aqsarniit Illiniarvik, remain in Stage 3 on Monday, June 14.
The wearing of masks is mandatory in common areas of schools.
According to the CPHO, children and youth participating in school-based activities and organized sports programs are exempt from the Government of Nunavut’s territory-wide mandatory mask order that came into effect on Monday, June 14, 2021.
While there are exemptions for school-based activities, it is recommended that students over the age of 12 wear a mask at all times when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Ongoing services:
K-12 Schools
The following stages continue to be in effect:
- Stage 3 – Schools in Iqaluit.
- Stage 2 – Schools in Rankin Inlet and the Qikiqtani region, except Sanikiluaq and Iqaluit.
- Stage 1 – Schools in Sanikiluaq, the Kitikmeot region, and Kivalliq region, except for Rankin Inlet.
Schools will implement the appropriate action plan for their current stage.
Early Learning and Child Care
All Nunavut childcare facilities can remain open, including those in Iqaluit.
Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS)
Students booking their FANS-eligible travel must follow the public health measures and recommendations of the CPHO.
If students have questions about their travel, they can contact the FANS office for information at @email.
Department of Community and Government services
All isolation requests for construction worker are to be booked through @email. Isolations occur in Ottawa and Quebec City construction hubs, as well as in Winnipeg and Edmonton.
| Construction Workers Completed Isolation and Travelled to Nunavut | |
| 2021 Total to Date | 1,273 |
| January | 164 |
| February | 220 |
| March | 204 |
| April | 270 |
| May | 293 |
| June 1 – June 6 | 122 |
| May – Dec 2020 Total | 2,183 |
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.