COVID-19 GN Update - April 1, 2020

Premier’s update:

There are still no confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut.

Today, the total number of people under investigation to date is 290. 205 people are currently under investigation and 85 people are no longer under investigation.

It’s April 1 – Nunavut’s 21st birthday. Normally, we would be celebrating the birth of our territory a little differently, I think. This year may not be the norm, but it’s also an opportunity for us to reflect on what it means to be Nunavummiut.

I’m focused on what I can do to help keep our territory, our communities and our neighbours safe right now; and that’s staying home and staying apart, together.

To those Nunavummiut isolating in southern Canada, thank you for doing your part to keep COVID-19 out of the territory.

To those Nunavummiut here in the territory and staying home regularly to reduce the risk of COVID-19, thank you.

And to those Nunavummiut who are essential workers, who go to work everyday to keep our programs, services and supplies going, thank you for taking the steps to stay healthy and well to protect us all.

We all have to do our part, and we all have the responsibility to keep one another healthy.

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

No visitors will be allowed at long term care facilities in Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes.

All travellers are required to isolate at designated facilities outside of Nunavut for a period of 14 days, except for critical employees who are asymptomatic.

Individuals who are going to isolate are reminded not to show up the hotel until they have received confirmation from Health staff on their bookings.

Those returning to Nunavut require approval from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer and are asked to email @email.

If you are required to isolate, Health staff will be in touch with you. Toll free number for anyone that has recently travelled or has COVID-19 symptoms 1-888-975-8601 is being answered from 7:30-7:30.

The CPHO orders and the travel/critical worker protocol are posted: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Isolation

• Those in isolation have access to cable, internet, three meals a day, fresh linens and cleaning supplies. Garbage is picked up daily.
• These costs are covered by the Government of Nunavut. The GN will pay for diapers, baby formula and feminine products.
• Guests are responsible to order these products through the provided delivery services, but they will not be charged for the items.
• The welcome package has been updated to include information on grocery orders and take-out. Both can be delivered to the hotel. These deliveries and related costs are not covered by the GN.

Department of Justice Services

Adjusted services:

Victims Services

The Victim Services Office is closed to the public at this time. However, Nunavummiut who need to contact the office can do so by using the following contact information:

• Victim Services Toll Free 1-866-456-5216; @email.
• Services will be provided on a case by case basis.

Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee

As of today, April 1, 2020, the Office of the Public Guardian will be joining the Office of the Public Trustee within the Department of Justice. This new office will be the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. All contact information remains the same.
Once the Office reopens after the public health emergency, it will be located on the first floor of the Brown Building in Iqaluit. Legal Registries has moved to the 4th floor of 1106 Inuksugait building in Iqaluit.
Due to the office relocation, clients may experience slight delays in phone and email responses. We apologize for this inconvenience.

Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs Services

Ongoing services:

The Government of Nunavut continues to meet its privacy obligations under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. ATIPP Coordinators continue to process new and existing requests for information and will still respond within the 25-business-day timeline, except for where an authorized extension applies under the Act. For the contact information of who you can talk to about filing an ATIPP request, please see the link below: https://www.gov.nu.ca/executive-and-intergovernmental-affairs/informati…

Department of Environment Services

The Environmental Protection division is working with federal, territorial and provincial counterparts to document reductions in emissions due to pandemic responses.

Nunavummiut’s health is our shared responsibility! Remember: wash your hands and surfaces, practise social distancing, listen to the advice of health officials, and stay home if you’re sick.