COVID-19 GN Update - June 30, 2021

Minister of Health’s update on behalf of Premier Savikataaq:

Good morning. There remain no cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut. There have been 262 recoveries since this outbreak began.

So far, 21,255 people in Nunavut have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 16,284 have had both doses.

It’s important for all Nunavummiut to remember that this outbreak is not over. As we gradually ease restrictions, it’s critical that everyone stays vigilant and follows the public health measures. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our communities healthy.

Now that summer is here, we don’t have any further televised updates scheduled. As always, information can be found online, on radio and on social media. We will continue to provide regular updates on those platforms. If anything changes, we will keep everyone up to date.

As Premier Savikataaq always says - Mask up. Wash your hands often. Keep strict physical distance. Keep your bubbles small. Get vaccinated if you haven’t already. The COVID-19 vaccines are truly the best defense we have against this virus.

Please be responsible and take good care. Do the right thing for yourself, your family and everyone around you. Stay safe.

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning.

After more than a week without an active case of COVID-19 in Iqaluit, it is safe to ease restrictions in Iqaluit.

Effective July 2:

• In-territory travel restrictions in and out of Iqaluit will be lifted.
• Isolation for those leaving Iqaluit to another Nunavut community will no longer be required.
• Indoor and outdoor gathering limits will also be increased.
• Full details on the new public health measures can be found on the Government of Nunavut’s website at gov.nu.ca.

While the case count is zero, the outbreak is not over, and I encourage everyone to follow the public health measures. There has also been a sharp decline in the number of people being swabbed in the city. Fewer cases and increasing vaccination numbers has contributed to people feeling that testing and screening for COVID is not necessary. I encourage people to continue to get swabbed when contacted by Iqaluit Public Health or when there has been a chance of exposure to COVID-19. Identifying the virus early is the best way to contain it before there is widespread transmission.

We would like to continue screening individuals who are in groups that are more likely to have been exposed to COVID-19, or are more likely to spread it to larger numbers of people. This includes the following:

1) Rotational workers who are regularly in the south.
2) Staff or residents of congregate living settings.
3) Individuals who work with the general public such as cashiers.

The Pfizer vaccine has now arrived in all communities, and by the end of next week every Nunavummiut who is 12 or older will have had the chance to receive their first dose. Anyone who missed initial Pfizer clinics can call their local health centre for an appointment.

Experience in several countries has shown that widespread vaccination dramatically reduces the harm from COVID-19 infections. By late July almost 3 quarters of Nunavummiut will have had the opportunity to receive 2 doses of vaccine, and we will be able to further ease public health measures. I ask everyone to continue to follow the current public health measures, as this protects all of us.

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

For all the latest information and resources about COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

For information on upcoming vaccine clinics go to: https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination

For information on upcoming vaccine clinics go to https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination.

COVID-19 case status: June 30

* Confirmed cases include those meeting the national case definitions. Persons followed includes individuals with specific symptoms and exposures as well as others who are self-monitoring or self-isolated. Not all of these individuals have symptoms or require testing.

*There may be a delay reporting attribution and statistics from cases acquired in Southern Canada. 12 cases that were detected out of territory have been attributed to Nunavut. This includes 3 deaths. Not all NU residents with COVID-19 detected out of territory will be attributed to Nunavut.

COVID-19 community case statistics: June 30

COVID-19 vaccination status: 

For complete information on the vaccination status in Nunavut, go to https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination

Testing stats to date: June 24

Isolation population: 

Traveller repatriation summary:

Critical Worker Requests:

As of June 30, there were 19,311 requests, 9,195 of which were critical worker requests, 892 of which were vaccinated travellers.

Department of Education Services

Ongoing services:

K-12 Schools

All Nunavut schools are closed for summer break.

Early Learning and Child Care

All Nunavut childcare facilities can remain open, including those in Iqaluit.

Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS)

Students booking their FANS-eligible travel must follow the public health measures and recommendations of the CPHO. If students have questions about their travel, they can contact the FANS office for information at @email.

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.