Isolation exemption for fully vaccinated travellers

Iqaluit, Nunavut (June 7, 2021) – Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, today announced that beginning June 14, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to isolate either before entering the territory or once in-territory. Fully vaccinated parents travelling with non-vaccinated children will still be required to isolate.

“Current evidence shows that fully vaccinated individuals are less likely to acquire and transmit the virus, and we are confident that removing the isolation requirements for this group represent a low risk for COVID-19 introduction in Nunavut,” said Dr. Patterson. “In order to further mitigate the risks of introduction for the time being, those travelling with non-vaccinated individuals will still be required to isolate prior to entering the territory.”

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their final dose of any Government of Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine. Fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from isolation but will have to follow all public health measures in place in Nunavut.

“Nunavummiut have worked hard following all the public health measures, and the COVID vaccines have added enough protection to allow us to take this step,” said Premier Joe Savikataaq. “I’m very happy that we are able to move into this next phase of living with COVID, and I encourage all eligible Nunavummiut to get their vaccine if they haven’t already.”

Fully vaccinated travellers can apply for isolation exemption by completing a vaccination exemption form and submitting to vaccineexemptions@gov.nu.ca. Approved travellers will receive a travel authorization letter required to board any airplane entering Nunavut.

Nunavummiut must consent to verification of vaccine status on their application for isolation exemption. Non-residents will be required to provide valid government documentation proving vaccination status.

Fully vaccinated travellers currently staying in one of the Government of Nunavut’s southern isolation sites can also apply to leave isolation early.

Vaccine clinics continue across Nunavut. Call your health centre to make an appointment. The vaccine is safe, effective and our best defense against COVID-19.

For more information and to apply for an exemption, go to: https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/travel-and-isolation.

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Media Contact:

Cate Macleod
Press Secretary to Premier Savikataaq
867-975-5059
cmacleod@gov.nu.ca

Chris Puglia
A/Manager Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
cpuglia@gov.nu.ca

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