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COVID-19 GN Update - August 4, 2020
Premier’s update:
Good morning. There are still no confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut.
The total number of persons followed to date is 1825. There are 272 persons currently being followed.
Late last week, we announced the Nunavut Public Art Initiative to encourage artists to create spaces for community members to use, see or enjoy. Under the theme of Inuuqatigiitsiarniq, artists can access between $5,000 and $50,000 to cover creation and installation of their artwork. I encourage Nunavut’s artists to visit gov.nu.ca/publicart for more information.
Starting Monday, August 10, Government of Nunavut offices will be re-opened for 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.
As you know, we’ll be taking a break from these weekly updates for August. If there is any change to the COVID situation in Nunavut, we will be back on-air quickly with all important information.
In the meantime, please keep up with the recommended public health measures – wash your hands often, keep physical distance, stay home if you are sick.
COVID-19 is serious, but if we remain educated, prepared and diligent, we have the ability to manage any cases and limit the spread.
Stay well. Stay healthy. Stay safe. Enjoy the rest of the summer, and we’ll see you soon.
Chief Public Health Officer update
Good morning,
As we continue to work toward Nunavut’s Path, I am pleased to announce changes to our travel restrictions that will aid government representatives in their work serving Nunavummiut. Effective today, the following amendment has been made to the Travel restrictions Order:
The Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and the Senator for Nunavut can be exempt from isolation provided they submit a written request to Chief Public Health Office. The intent of the amendment is to allow government representatives to conduct official government business and fulfill a constitutionally-protected mandate.
This exemption only applies to official travel necessary to conduct Parliamentary, Legislative Assembly and constituency business, and does not apply to travel for personal business. It also does not apply to government representatives’ staff or family members.
This exemption is optional. Government representatives included in the amendment may choose to complete the 14-day isolation when travelling on official business.
Upon returning from official business, government representatives, who have been granted an exemption shall abide by the guidelines in place for any individual who has been granted a critical work exemption. This means that for the first 14 days in Nunavut, they will:
- Respect social distancing when at work.
- Isolate at home when not at work.
- Wear a mask when separation cannot be maintained.
These persons shall also self-monitor and contact a Medical Health Officer if they exhibit any symptoms 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
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.
New Email for Travellers
A new email address has been established for Nunavummiut planning travel outside of the territory. All travellers must submit an Isolation Reservation Request Form to NUisolationreservations@nunavutcare.ca 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
A new email address has been established to better address concerns and comments from clients completing 14-day isolation in the Isolation Sites in Southern Canada. The new email will take pressure off the COVID toll free line, patient relations and the CPHOtravelrequests inbox. The new email address is isolationrelations@gov.nu.ca.
Volumes
|
Total (All Isolation Locations) |
|
|
Traveler Type |
Guests in Isolation as Aug. 2 |
|
Medical Travel |
105 |
|
Public |
483 |
|
Total |
588 |
Traveller repatriation summary:
|
Departure Date |
# of Travellers from Isolation Sites |
|
Aug. 4 |
37 |
|
Aug. 5 |
42 |
|
Aug. 6 |
83 |
|
Aug. 7 |
22 |
|
Aug. 8 |
5 |
Critical Worker Requests
As of July 30, there are 3290 requests, 1948 of which are critical worker requests.
|
Request Status |
# |
% |
|
Approved (includes critical and non-critical) |
2647 |
80.5% |
|
Denied |
216 |
6.6% |
|
Pending |
52 |
1.6% |
|
Common Travel Area Approved |
375 |
11.4% |
|
Total |
3290 |
100% |
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 CPHOconstructionrequests@gov.nu.ca
Construction workers who completed isolation to date: 795
|
Construction workers who completed isolation July 27 – August 3, 2020 |
||
|
Departure Date |
Number |
Destination |
|
27/Jul/20 |
1 |
Arctic Bay |
|
27/Jul/20 |
1 |
Kugaaruk |
|
27/Jul/20 |
10 |
Iqaluit |
|
27/Jul/20 |
8 |
Resolute Bay |
|
27/Jul/20 |
2 |
Pond Inlet |
|
27/Jul/20 |
2 |
Kugaaruk |
|
27/Jul/20 |
1 |
Chesterfield Inlet |
|
27/Jul/20 |
4 |
Rankin Inlet |
|
27/Jul/20 |
3 |
Cambridge Bay |
|
28/Jul/20 |
1 |
Baker Lake |
|
28/Jul/20 |
1 |
Rankin Inlet |
|
28/Jul/20 |
2 |
Kugluktuk |
|
29/Jul/20 |
1 |
Resolute Bay |
|
29/Jul/20 |
1 |
Grise Fiord |
|
29/Jul/20 |
3 |
Pond Inlet |
|
30/Jul/20 |
5 |
Iqaluit |
|
30/Jul/20 |
10 |
Iqaluit |
|
30/Jul/20 |
1 |
Gjoa Haven |
|
2/Aug/20 |
1 |
Iqaluit |
|
2/Aug/20 |
3 |
Baker Lake |
|
2/Aug/20 |
1 |
Arviat |
|
3/Aug/20 |
2 |
Arctic Bay |
|
3/Aug/20 |
1 |
Kugaaruk |
|
3/Aug/20 |
8 |
Iqaluit |
|
3/Aug/20 |
7 |
Igloolik |
|
3/Aug/20 |
6 |
Iqaluit |
|
3/Aug/20 |
3 |
Pond Inlet |
|
3/Aug/20 |
1 |
Clyde River |
|
3/Aug/20 |
1 |
Baker Lake |
|
3/Aug/20 |
1 |
Cambridge Bay |
Starting Monday, August 10, Government of Nunavut offices will be re-opened for 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.
