COVID-19 Daily Update - March 17, 2020

GN-wide update

• Still no confirmed cases in Nunavut.
• Please call before going to your health centre, if it is a non-emergency. You will be assessed by phone. For Iqaluit, for non-emergency situations, it’s the same thing- please call before going to the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
• Government of Nunavut services continue but may be slower than usual because of reduced staff.
• We are actively working to put together a fiscal package to make sure Nunavummiut don’t have to suffer financially by this situation.
• Social distancing and handwashing will make a huge difference in slowing the spread of COVID-19, even in overcrowded housing.
• This is a stressful, disruptive time for everyone, but it’s up to all of us to limit the spread of COVID-19. It’s time to stay home as much as possible when not at work, even if you’re feeling healthy.
• To our front-line health workers and those working in every area to keep things open and operational - Thank you!
• Kindness and patience important and appreciated now, more than ever.

Department of Health

• Health is working with the nursing agencies to develop contingency plans to support a possible increase in workload in health centres.
• All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily. Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• For Iqaluit, for non-emergency situations please call first before coming to Qikiqtani General Hospital.
• For all communities, for non-emergency situations please call first before coming to the health centre. You will be assessed by phone.
• Physicians will continue community visits.
• Mental health supports are available.

Department of Human Resources

• GN employees affected by school and daycare closures have three weeks of paid leave (or other accommodation) for GN employees
• 14 days of Self-Isolation Paid Leave for all GN employees experiencing flu-like symptoms or advised to self-isolate at home
• The GN has temporarily waived the need for medical certificates for GN employees
• All in-person public service training courses and programs have been cancelled or postponed
• All non-essential duty travel suspended

Department of Family Services

• We request that all Income Assistance, Career Development and Family Wellness clients call to arrange an appointment, instead of dropping into our offices.
• Every client should call and set an appointment time and date in order to limit large gatherings in our waiting areas.
• We are working to determine what is best for our students in the south, on the advice of the CPHO.

Department of Economic Development and Transportation

• Travel is significantly reduced into Nunavut. Airlines and the Government of Nunavut are closely working together to ensure the supply chain stays open and food and other supplies move.
• The GN is working closely with mining companies to monitor their operations. At this point, the GN agrees with the protocols that are in place and recognize that each operation has had to make decisions based on their operational requirements.