COVID-19 GN Update - January 7, 2021

COVID-19 GN Update - January 7, 2021

Premier’s update:

Good morning. Today, there are no new cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut, and we remain at zero active cases. The total number of persons followed to date is 5847. There are 388 persons currently being followed.

Yesterday, we began our vaccination program at the Iqaluit Elders’ facility. There will be many, many people to thank over the next few months, but I want to give a specific shout out to Susie Pearce, Trista Bennett, Aileen Austria, Jenny Begin, Kristine Hutchison, Sila Nowdluk and the staff at the centre for their dedication, care and amazing work in the first round of this critical work. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.

There have been a lot of comments and questions on my social media over the last few days about this vaccine and why I’m not taking it just now. The answer is simple – it just isn’t my turn yet. We are making sure our most vulnerable and our beloved Elders receive these first doses. I’m not at high-risk, I’m not immuno-compromised and despite these white hairs, I’m not an Elder.

The Moderna vaccine is safe. It is effective. It has been rigorously tested and administered all around the world. I encourage everyone to learn the facts about Moderna, instead of opinions and fearmongering.

As soon as my colleagues and I are able, we will be getting this vaccine, and I will share that experience with you all.

As always, please remember that our public health measures are not going to stop anytime soon. We need to keep washing hands, keep physical distance, keep wearing masks and keep taking precaution. The vaccine is not the end of COVID-19, it is the next step in our fight. Stay well, stay healthy and stay vigilant for our communities.

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

Yesterday Nunavut administered its first vaccinations. Public Health nurses vaccinated 21 of the 28 residents and staff from the Elders’ Home. Another eight doses were administered to Iqaluit Public Health staff.  Iqaluit Public Health reported that the vaccinations went well and there were no reported problems.

This is great news. This means the Elders’ facility in Iqaluit is one step closer to protection from COVID-19 and one step closer to their family and friends being able to visit without restriction or worry.

We are very excited to be extending opportunity to receive the vaccine to all adults in Igloolik, Gjoa Haven, Arviat and Cambridge Bay, beginning next week.

Additional clinics will be scheduled once the date and the number of doses for the next shipment are confirmed. This will allow us to provide Nunavummiut with set dates and locations for the next clinics and to adjust our strategy if for some reason we do not receive the amount of vaccines expected.

That is why we are focusing on getting as many people vaccinated with the doses we have, starting in communities with higher risks populations, such as elders’ facilities, communities where there is a greater risk of introducing and spreading COVID-19 both locally and in adjacent communities. Each clinic will give all adults and health care providers in those communities an opportunity to receive their vaccination.

We will keep Nunavummiut informed regarding the progress of our vaccine delivery, the schedules for each clinic and the number of vaccines that have been administered. I would also like to reassure Nunavummiut that the Moderna vaccine is safe. I know that there are a lot of rumours that create confusion, but the only firm reason not to take this vaccine is if you have an allergy to one of the ingredients. If you have had TB, or cancer, the vaccine is still safe and appropriate.

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

Upcoming Community Vaccine Clinics

Elders’ Facility clinics in communities will be focused clinics with health staff going on site to administer the vaccine. Health staff will reach out to the Elder’s facilities directly for the vaccination times and dates.

Arviat (change of location)

• Location: Community Hall.
• Date (1st Dose): January 14 to 18 (excluding Sunday). 
• Date (2nd dose) Feb 11-15. 
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Appointment system: Yes.
• Call 867-857-3100

Iqaluit Elder’s Home

• Location: Elders Home.
• Date (1st Dose): January 6.
• Date (2nd Dose): February 3.

Igloolik mass clinic

• Location:  Igloolik High School.
• Date (1st Dose): January 11 and 12. 
• Date (2nd Dose) February 8–9. 
• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Clinic Type: walk in clinic.
• Call 867-934-2100.

Gjoa Haven mass clinic

• Location: Qiqirtaq High School. 
• Date (1st Dose): January 11 and 12.
• Date (2nd Dose) February 8–9.
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Clinic Type: by appointment.
• Call 867-360-7441.

Cambridge Bay mass clinic

• Location:  site to be determined
• Date (1st Dose): January 14 to 16 (inclusive).
• Date (2nd Dose): February 11-13.
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Clinic Type: by appointment.
• Call 867-983-4500.

COVID-19 case status: Jan. 7

COVID-19 community case statistics: Jan. 7

Testing stats to date per community: Jan. 7

Isolation population: 

Traveller repatriation summary:

Critical Worker Requests:

As of Jan.7 there were 10757 requests, 7231 of which were critical worker requests.

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.