COVID-19 GN Update - April 21, 2021

Premier’s update:

Good morning. Today, we are reporting one new case and one recovery of COVID-19 in Nunavut. There are remain 33 active cases in the territory - 31 in Iqaluit and two in Kinngait.

To date,14,559 Nunavummiut have received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine, and 11,605 Nunavummiut are now fully vaccinated.

We’ve seen COVID in six of our communities now. And we see how easily the virus can be transmitted. I’m once again asking any eligible adult Nunavummiut to please get your Moderna vaccine. If you haven’t booked an appointment, call you local health centre to set one up.

Our neighbours in the south are waiting weeks and months for their chance to be vaccinated. Nunavut has the vaccines; they are here and available. It’s now up to you to do your part and help protect our communities.

As always, I’ll end with this - Stay safe. Mask up. Wash your hands. Keep at least six feet distance from others when you’re outside. Stay home as much as possible. Get vaccinated.

Take care and stay safe.

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning.

Today we have confirmed one more COVID-19 infection in Iqaluit, and one recovery. Contact tracing continues around the cases in both the city and Kinngait. High-risk contacts have been isolated.

I urge people not to panic or spread rumours. We will announce cases as they are confirmed. There is no need to speculate where COVID is. Rumours only do unnecessary harm to people's mental health and the efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.

There continues to be a lot of questions about testing. If you have concerns about exposure or symptoms call the hotline for advice. For clarity on symptoms, they include sore throat, runny nose, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, muscle aches, loss of taste and smell, tiredness, fever, or upset stomach.

Vaccines continue to be offered in all communities. Call the health centre in your community or Iqaluit Public Health to make an appointment. If you are on isolation because of circumstances around the current outbreak and are worried about missing your opportunity, don’t worry, there will be vaccines available. As soon as you are off isolation, call and make an appointment.

Yesterday, Arviat's outbreak was officially over, and I congratulate the community on getting to this point.

If in the upcoming days there are no changes to the current risk in Arviat, we will be in a position to announce eased restrictions there on April 26.

Next Monday, Arviat’s restriction will align with the rest of the Kivalliq. That will mean:

• All businesses can open.
• Schools can open.
• Outdoor gatherings will be restricted to 100 people.
• Indoor gatherings will be restricted to a household plus 15 people.
• Individuals must continue to maintain a distance of 2 metres from others in public other than members of their immediate household.
• Indoor gatherings outside of dwellings will be restricted to 15.
• Gatherings in spaces such as community halls and conference spaces will be restricted to 100 or 75% capacity.
• Recreation facilities can open with group sessions limited to 25.

Masks are strongly recommended.

I also want to point to Arviat and the other communities where outbreaks have occurred to demonstrate how following the public health measures works.

If we continue with the model of partnership between public health's work to track, trace and isolate the virus and the public cooperating with the restrictions, we will get through this.

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

COVID-19 case status: April 21

* 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: April 21

COVID-19 vaccination status: April 21

*Total vaccine administered is updated as regularly as possible but might be lower than actual count.

Testing stats to date: April 21

Isolation population: 

Traveller repatriation summary:

Critical Worker Requests:

As of April 21, there were 15,205 requests, 7,552 of which were critical worker requests.

Department of Education Services

New developments in programs/ services:

K-12 Schools

As of Monday, April 26, 2021, Arviat schools will move to Stage 1 and implement their Stage 1 action plan.

Ongoing services:

K-12 Schools

The following stages continue to be in effect:

• Stage 4 – Schools in Kinngait and Iqaluit
• Stage 3 – Schools in the Qikiqtani region, except Sanikiluaq, Kinngait, and Iqaluit
• Stage 2 – Schools in Rankin Inlet and Arviat (Arviat will change to Stage 1 on Monday, April 26, 2021)
• Stage 1 – Schools in Sanikiluaq, the Kitikmeot region, and Kivalliq region, except for Rankin Inlet and Arviat

Schools will implement the appropriate action plan for their current stage.

Early Learning and Child Care

All Nunavut child care facilities can remain open, with the exception of Kinngait and 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.

Adjusted services:

K-12 Schools

As of Monday, April 26, 2021, Arviat schools will move to Stage 1.

In Stage 1, schools are open full-time for in-school instruction to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, five days per week.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

K-12 Schools

Kinngait and Iqaluit schools are closed for in-school instruction until further notice.

In Stage 4, all instruction will be conducted remotely. All schools are closed to students, staff, and the public. School staff will regularly communicate with all students.

Early Learning and Child Care

Kinngait and Iqaluit childcare facilities are closed until further notice.

Nunavut Arctic College

Ongoing services:

The Nunavut Research Institute at Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit will still be accepting walrus samples from community Hunters/Trappers Organizations for TRICHINELLA Testing.  Please note that turnaround time for testing samples may be delayed while Iqaluit is currently under strict public health measures.

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.