COVID-19 GN Update - July 20, 2020

Minister of Health, on behalf of the Premier, update:

Good morning. We have a lot of announcements today, so I’ll speak very briefing in this capacity.

There are still two presumptive cases of COVID-19 at the Mary River Mine, as we await results from the south.

The total number of persons followed to date is 1629. There are 179 persons currently being followed.

Last week Canada’s Premiers and the federal government authorized Canada’s Safe Restart Agreement.

Nunavut will receive up to $18.9 million in federal support. This will include a cash transfer of $12.1 million, as well as $5.7 million for testing and PPE procured by the Government of Canada. There will also be $1.1 million in sick leave benefits for Nunavummiut, to be administered in a federal program.

Further details on when and how we will receive this money are coming soon, and we are excited to work with our federal and territorial colleagues on the next steps for supports specific to the North.

Minister of Health update:

I want to take an opportunity to address the rumours and misinformation currently going around about our isolation hubs.

The Government of Nunavut is managing several hubs, and dealing with a large number of requests from both medical and non-essential travellers. In an attempt to help clear up some of the delays to get into the hubs, Iqaluit is being looked at as one of several options to help relieve the wait time for medical travellers in Winnipeg.

This has not been finalized and we are actively looking at the possibility of creating a second hub in Winnipeg, specifically for medical travellers. Our commitment is to ensure our medical travellers are well cared for and we are prioritizing their stays above non-essential travellers.

We understand the concerns raised on social media over the weekend. However, nothing has been confirmed about an Iqaluit or additional Winnipeg hub. We recognize the fear and uncertainty that comes with COVID-19. However, we need to balance that fear with facts, the best possible care for Nunavummiut and our commitment to public health and safety.

When there is an official course of action on this, we will announce it with all the relevant information. As we work to relieve this backlog, we thank those waiting for a spot in the isolation hubs for their patience and understanding. We are working around the clock to keep our territory and Nunavummiut safe. Thanks to all the staff who have worked so hard to keep everyone well during COVID-19.

Minister of Economic Development and Transportation update:

As part of the recovery and resiliency plan for Tourism and Cultural Industries, I'm pleased to announce the launch of ShopNunavut.ca, a platform highlighting local products, services, and experiences that are available to Nunavummiut.

Developed in partnership with Destination Nunavut, Travel Nunavut and Nunavut Economic Development Association, ShopNunavut.ca aims to help Nunavut's small business and tourism community through the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing a one-stop shop for all the various products and services available in the territory. The platform will be active until the end of 2020.

Once on ShopNunavut.ca, Nunavummiut will have access to a variety of services such as: StayNunavut, which provides information on accommodations throughout the territory; EatNunavut – a comprehensive list of restaurants; and information on tour operators, outfitters, artists and craftspeople through EnjoyNunavut.

Also on ShopNunavut.ca, Nunavummiut will have access to an exciting new website developed by Travel Nunavut. StaycationNunavut.ca provides up-to-date trip-planning resources and information on what tourism opportunities exist throughout the territory. The website will also provide a space for Nunavut's tourism operators to showcase and advertise new packages and offerings explicitly tailored to local and Northern audiences.

On behalf of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation and our partners, Destination Nunavut, Travel Nunavut, and Nunavut’s Economic Development Association, I encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity and use ShopNunavut.ca to buy local, eat local and take part in the local tourism activities that are available.

I invite you to participate in the weekly contests starting July 27 which will be available on ShopNunavut Facebook page and Instagram. The challenges will vary each week and prizes will be awarded in each community.

Go out on the land with local experts and learn about Inuit culture. Discover all the wildlife and beautiful landscapes our unique territory has to offer. Purchase locally harvested country foods and support local artists by purchasing authentic Nunavut art to enhance your homes, your offices, and your place of business.

Local businesses make our communities more sustainable, play an important role in our economy and keep our culture and tradition alive for all of us to enjoy. ShopNunavut and help our local businesses thrive. 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

Calling Ahead at Health Centres

Unless you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call your health centre first before going in. Describe your symptoms, and health care providers can conduct a telephone assessment and may schedule in-person appointments for appropriate care.

Wearing Masks at Health Centres

If you are presenting at a health centre with respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose, please wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, please tell whoever receives you at the health centre of your symptoms, and they can provide you with one.

New Email for Travellers

A new email address has been established for Nunavummiut planning travel outside of the territory. All travellers must submit an Isolation Reservation Request Form to @email as soon as travel plans are known to ensure that the travel team can identify room availability and reserve stays in a designated isolation facility. More information can be found on the Department of Health website.

Isolation sites concern inbox

A new email address has been established to better address concerns and comments from clients completing 14-day isolation in the Isolation Sites in Southern Canada. The new email will take pressure off the COVID toll free line, patient relations and the CPHOtravelrequests inbox. The new email address is @email.

Volumes

Traveller repatriation summary:

Critical Worker Requests

As of July 18, there are 2730 requests, 1757 of which are critical worker requests.

Ongoing services:

Access to health care services will remain available in all communities seven days a week. All non-urgent requests will be triaged daily. Immediate access to urgent and emergent health care services are and will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All clients are asked to call before presenting at a health facility.

Beginning June 8, there will be an increased availability of in-person health assessments at health centres across the territory.

• In Iqaluit, public health, the emergency room and inpatient unit will remain open.
• Well baby clinics, prenatal visits and immunizations are continuing across Nunavut.
• Physicians will continue community visits. If this is not possible, the visits will be conducted by telehealth or by phone.
• Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH have resumed regular services

Adjusted services:

Appointments at health facilities are being triaged, this means the appointment may be over the phone or in person.

Medical travel services have been reduced to urgent medical travel only. Clients will be advised of these changes and involved in discussions.

In Iqaluit, outpatient clinics and rehab are triaging all appointments and conducting appointments. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.

The inpatient ward at QGH is allowing limited visitors to the inpatient ward following a questionnaire.

MHA has moved to telephone check in and support for some clients. Scheduled appointments for medication pick up and administration remain the same. If you are in crisis, present to the health centre. Home visits to administer medications will be treated on a case by case basis.

Beginning June 15, normal dental services are permitted to resume, though this service may not be available in all communities immediately. For communities where normal service resumption is delayed, emergency services are still available.

Beginning June 29, Nunavut – Continuing Care Centres (CCCs) and Elders’ Homes will accept visitors on a limited basis. Each resident or inpatient may have no more than two visitors at once, and visitors shall be restricted to immediate family members only (which includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Speciality clinics have been cancelled. Work is underway to determine which clients can be seen by phone/virtual care.

All non-essential travel for mental health clients and families are cancelled. All non-essential travel for families visiting clients in care is cancelled.

Department of Education Services

The Department of Education will be releasing the 2020-21 Opening Plan for Nunavut Schools at the end of July.

Keeping our staff and students safe is the Department of Education’s highest priority. By working closely with the Chief Public Health Officer, and providing clear guidelines around health and safety, the Department of Education can ensure that our students are learning in a safe, supportive environment.

Department of Justice Services

The Legal Registries Office will re-open for public access beginning Monday, July 20. Access is limited to one person at a time.

All customers are asked to respect the restrictions and remain two meters (six feet) apart. Customers are encouraged to call 1-867-975-6590 or email @email with questions or concerns about Legal Registries services. For further information, please visit the Legal Registries website by clicking here.

Department of Community and Government Services

Requests to enter the territory for construction related projects or to travel within the territory for construction related projects can be emailed to @email

Construction workers who completed isolation to date: 624

GN office buildings in all communities remain closed to the public at this time. If a member of the public needs to meet with GN staff, alternate arrangements need to be made. Please call ahead of time and make an appointment.

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.