CPHO Announces Reopening of Schools and Child Care Facilities
News Release
CPHO Announces Reopening of Schools and Child Care Facilities
Iqaluit, Nunavut (January 14, 2022) – Yesterday, Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), announced information regarding the reopening of schools and childcare facilities in each community.
“I am very happy to welcome students back into schools safely,” said Minister of Education, Pamela Hakongak Gross. “Our department understands the importance of in-person classes, not just from an educational perspective, but for the social and emotional well-being of children and families. I would like to remind everyone of the importance of wearing masks at school and on the bus and following our guidelines so that schools can safely remain open.”
Unless directed otherwise by the CPHO, school staff will return to school on January 17 to provide remote instruction to students the week of January 17-21. School staff will prepare for the return of students on January 24.
As advised by the CPHO, schools will reopen to students at either 100 per cent capacity or 50 per cent capacity, depending on the COVID-19 situation in each community. Based on COVID-19 case numbers as of January 13, schools opening to students on January 24 are as follows:
Schools in Iqaluit, Kinngait, Arviat, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay will open at 50 per cent capacity.
Schools in all other communities will open at 100 per cent capacity.
Because the situation is changing so quickly, the CPHO will reassess community-specific information and announce revised school capacity every seven days. Schools will communicate directly to students and families regarding their status and cohort plans.
As stated by the CPHO yesterday, daycares are permitted to open to all families and children on January 17.
For more information on COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
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Media Contact:
Troy Rhoades
Senior Communications Adviser
Department of Education
867-975-5680
@email
Chris Puglia
Acting Manager, Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email