COVID-19 GN Update - May 11, 2020

Premier’s update:

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

Today, the total number of people under investigation to date is 838. 285 people are currently under investigation and 553 are no longer under investigation.

Today is the start of National Nurses Week. Nurses are at the front line everyday, at every check-up, emergency and aftercare appointment. They are our first stop, our continuous care, our last check-in and everything in between. Nurses are the spirit of the medical profession, and they are healthcare heroes day in and day out.

I cannot imagine the strain, stress and dedication it takes to be in their position every day, let alone during this pandemic.

On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I want to acknowledge your work, and let you know how truly appreciative we all are, in every one of our communities.

Thank you for your work during COVID-19. Thank you for everything.

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

COVID Hotline and Self-Assessment Tool

Anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 is advised to call the COVID-hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., or notify their community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days.

Anyone with access to internet can also take the online self-assessment tool nu.thrive.health

Volumes

Traveller repatriation summary:

Critical Worker Requests

As of May 10, there are 948 requests, 728 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.

• 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.
   

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. Lab and Diagnostic Imaging services at QGH are on reduced services. All upcoming appointments are being triaged.

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.

Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:

Only emergency dental services will be provided in until further notice.

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.

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

Department of Human Resources Services

The GN is now accepting applications for the Summer Student Employment Equity Program (SSEEP).

More information is available at https://www.gov.nu.ca/human-resources/information/become-summer-student

Deadline to apply is July 17, 2020, but we encourage students to apply as soon as possible as positions are available now! Additional positions may also become available throughout the summer.

At this time, the GN’s work-from-home model is still in place and the GN continues to follow all public health recommendations and support social distancing measures. Summer students may work from home or in government offices depending on the nature of the position and the public health measures in place.

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.