COVID-19 GN Update - March 27, 2020

Premier’s update:

As of today, there are still no confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in the territory.

The total number of people under investigation to date is 207. 150 people are currently under investigation; 57 people are no longer under investigation.

Through the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, we are pleased to announce a one-time grant of $5,000 for eligible small businesses through the Small Business Support Program.

Nunavut Arctic College is extending their program suspension to May 4. The College hopes to resume courses for the Spring semester and will likely be delivered through alternative means like course packs sent to students, online offering and programming using local resources.

Nunavut Arctic College’s graduations and convocations have been moved to September.

To clarify any lingering confusion about critical workers coming into Nunavut: anyone deemed a critical worker is allowed into the territory provided they are approved by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer. All critical workers undergo greater COVID-19 screening and must follow strict guidelines while in the territory.

Critical workers who have travelled internationally or are from areas with high risk of COVID-19 transmission will not be allowed into Nunavut.

As we all know, anyone who arrived into Nunavut on or since March 15 must self-isolate for 14 days. For some people, that period is coming to an end and they will no longer be in self-isolation.

To anyone currently self-isolating, I want to make something very, very clear: coming out of self-isolation does not mean that you do not have to practise social distancing and staying at home as much as possible.

The expectation is that everyone does this, all of the time for the foreseeable future. These measures only work if we all do them.

We’re all in this together, and we all need to do our part.

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 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 Economic Development and Transportation Services

The department will provide immediate short-term relief to Nunavut businesses through its Small Business Support Program.

Eligible businesses can apply for up to $5,000 in support in the form of a non-repayable contribution.

Interested small businesses can get more information at: https://gov.nu.ca/edt/programs-services/small-business-support-program

EDT is working with various chambers of commerce, Chamber of Mines and other industry associations to solicit feedback and information from their memberships.

The information that is captured will be consolidated and analyzed so that the GN and its partners can better understand the current and projected impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nunavut’s economy.

Department of Justice Services

Adjusted services:

The Labour Standards Office will still be available to provide services at this time. As all government offices are closed to the public at this time, the Labour Standards Office can be contacted by phone using the following numbers:

• Phone:1-867-975-6322, Toll Free: 1-877-806-8402, Fax: 1-867-975-6367

The Office is still available to answers questions Nunavummiut may have regarding the Labour Standards Act and Regulations.

As minimum wage is set to increase on April 1, 2020, the Manager of the Labour Standards Office is available to answer questions businesses may have at this time regarding compliance.

Department of Environment Services

The community harvest support contribution agreements have all been processed and payments are being issued. 

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

• All Territorial Parks are closed: this includes the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park in Iqaluit, and the Katannilik Territorial Park between Kimmirut and Iqaluit.
• Out of territory consultant travel into Nunavut has been cancelled, including travel previously meant to support the Nunavut Impact Review Board's Baffinland Phase 2 proposal Technical Meeting (Iqaluit), and Kugluktuk air quality monitoring station equipment calibrations.

Department of Community and Government services

Ongoing services:

Core departmental service delivery continues including facility management and maintenance.

CGS Infrastructure Branch continues to provide essential services in the areas of Safety Services (Nunavut Fire Marshal’s Office, Chief Building Official, Chief Electrical Inspector, Chief Boiler/Gas Inspector and Chief Elevator Inspector) and staff are readily accessible at the following contacts:

• Nunavut Fire Marshal’s Office: Fire Marshal Ted Clouter – 867-222-0132 - @email
• Office of the Chief Building Official: Chief Building Official Brian Wood – 867-222-3230 - @email
• Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector: TBC
• Chief Electrical Inspector: Jonathan Potts – 867-222-2889 - @email
• Office of the Chief Boiler & Gas Inspector: Please contact CGS Safety Services Director Mike Leduc at 867-222-1214 (@email) for any assistance with this department until further notice.
• Office of the Chief Elevator Inspector: Chief Elevator Inspector Tim Innualuk – 867-222-0210 - @email
• NOTE: In the unlikely event you cannot reach any of the above section heads, Director of CGS Safety Services Mike Leduc can be reached at 867-222-1214 or @email.

Nunavut Arctic College

Nunavut Arctic College is extending its program suspension to May 4.

The College hopes to resume courses for the Spring semester and will likely be delivered through alternative means like course packs sent to students, online offering and programming using local resources.

Nunavut Arctic College’s graduations and convocations have been moved to September.

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.