Public Health Restrictions eased across Nunavut

News Release

Public Health Restrictions eased across Nunavut

Iqaluit, Nunavut (January 13, 2022) – Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer is announcing eased public health restrictions across the territory, starting January 17.

“The strict public health restrictions since the end of December have been effective in controlling the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Patterson. “It is now safe to ease public health measures and lift the travel restrictions across the territory. I remind all Nunavummiut to stay cautious and safe and do their part to keep their community healthy.”

Starting Monday January 17:

• Community travel restrictions are lifted.
• Outdoor gatherings are now permitted to 25 people.
• Indoor gatherings in dwellings are now allowed up to five people, plus household members.
• Government, Inuit organizations and all other offices may open.
• Childcare facilities may open.
• Long-term care and elders’ facilities may have one visitor per resident, but masks are mandatory.
• Indoor public gatherings, including community halls and recreation centres are now limited to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity.
• Gyms and fitness centres can open to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity for solo workouts only; no group sessions.
• Libraries and galleries can open to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity; no gatherings or group tours.
• Places of worship are now permitted up to 50 people or 25 per cent capacity; no singing allowed.
• Arenas are now permitted up to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, as well as 25 spectators. No team sports allowed. ·
• All non-essential businesses may open, including personal services such as hair and beauty salons.
• Taxis may have one fare per trip, with mandatory masks.
• Group counselling sessions are now open to 10 people.
• Parks and playgrounds may open, but buildings remain closed.
• Restaurants and licensed establishments remain restricted to take-out only, with a maximum of 10 people in line.
• Schools will be opening January 24.

Masks remain mandatory in all communities and non-essential travel continues to be discouraged.

Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Dr. Patterson are holding a live COVID-19 update at 11 a.m. ET today. Tune in on the Legislative Assembly TV channel, at http://video.isilive.ca/nunavut/ or on radio in Iqaluit at 92.5FM. The next COVID-19 update will be on Tuesday January 18 at 11 a.m.

Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms – runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever or difficulty breathing – should call the COVID hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT. There are longer wait times to get through to the hotline, so please remain patient. Please do not call or go to the health centre.

For all the latest information and guidelines on COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/.

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Media Contact:

Chris Puglia   
A/Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email