COVID-19 GN Update - April 7, 2020

Premier’s update:

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

This weekend, many Nunavummiut who have been in isolation in the south will be coming back into the territory. I can confirm a few details about their travel back into the territory:

Clients who have completed their isolation will be bussed from the isolation hotels to the airports and board flights.
FANS students will be chartered into the territory and then onto their home communities.
Every effort to limit outside contact at the airports will be made.
Clients who have completed their 14-day isolation in one of the hotel hubs are not required to do another isolation in their home community. However – they should continue to monitor their symptoms, practise physical distancing and stay at home except for essential needs.

Remember, these measures apply are our new normal.

Thank to all Nunavummiut for their efforts to protect one another. Please keep it up, and please stay diligent.

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

Isolation Sites

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.

Volumes Isolation

Requests for travel

As of April 5, there are 408 requests, 313 of which are critical worker requests.

Department of Education Services

As of April 7, teachers currently in-territory can go back to school on a voluntary basis, in order to start developing learning packages for students. Guidelines on the delivery of those packages to students are being finalised by the Department of Education.

All school staff are expected to return to work in their home communities on April 21, 2020. Teachers that are currently out of territory must undergo a 14-day isolation period in a designated isolation hub before returning to Nunavut. If teachers cannot begin their 14-day isolation period in time for their return on April 21, they must contact their principal and provide information on travel plans and correspondence with the isolation hubs to support any expected delays.

On April 21, a decision will be made according to the recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer.

If school closures persist:

• School staff will be required to resume operations and will be asked to develop continuity of learning plans for all students.
• Teachers will be provided with clear guidance on how assessments, final report cards, and grade progression will be achieved.

If schools re-open:

• School operations will resume as normal.

In both cases, departmental exams for high school students have been cancelled until the end of June.

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.