COVID-19 GN Update - May 12, 2021
Premier’s update:
Today we are reporting eight new cases and 14 recoveries of COVID-19. There are 69 active cases in the territory, all in Iqaluit. There have been 130 recoveries to date in this outbreak.
So far, 16,525 Nunavummiut have received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine, and 12,995 Nunavummiut are now fully vaccinated.
Yesterday, the federal government announced additional funding to help Nunavut in our COVID-19 outbreak response. We are grateful for this influx of in-kind and direct funding and are currently reviewing how to implement these investments in remote learning supports, childcare, social supports and correctional services.
We will continue to work with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. to ensure we are able to use any joint funding swiftly and efficiently.
Iqalummiut, I’m not sure how else we can say this, but please stop gathering. The parties, the social interactions with people outside your household, and the time outside with other without wearing your masks are just not worth it. The longer people keep doing this, the longer we all have to live with tight public health restrictions.
This is a shared responsibility, everyone. It’s critical we all follow the public health measures we have in place. Mask up when outside your home- always. Stay home as much as possible. Don’t take your family out when you run errands, if you don’t have to. Keep strict social distance with people outside your household bubble. Get vaccinated.
Make safe, healthy, responsible choices.
Chief Public Health Officer Update:
Good morning.
As of this morning, 4 Iqalummiut have been medevaced south. 2 remain in hospital, with 1 in ICU, 2 are recovering in Ottawa and should be able to come home soon. We continue to see spread of the virus in Iqaluit, including some through outdoor contact. If you are getting together with others from outside your household wear a mask and do it outdoors.
If you have attended a party in the last 3 weeks you should be tested for COVID-19. Please contact the hotline at 1-888-975-8601. If you have attended a party, but cannot call or get through, please go to the Cadet Hall, any weekday afternoon, between 2 and 5 in the afternoon. We will test for COVID-19 and help you limit the spread.
I would like to discuss the vaccines used to protect ourselves from COVID-19. These vaccines are very effective against COVID-19 infection. People who get vaccinated are much less likely to become infected, and when they do get infected, they do not get as sick as they would have without the vaccine. In addition to that, there is increasing evidence that people who are vaccinated do not spread the virus as much as people who are not vaccinated.
In short, vaccines are the best protection for ourselves, our family and our communities.
A common question, around the world, is whether or not the COVID-19 vaccines can affect pregnancy. To date, more than 90,000 people have received a vaccine during pregnancy, and both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are safe during pregnancy. They do not cause miscarriages, or birth defects, and they do not make it harder to conceive a child. We do know that the risks of COVID-19 are higher during pregnancy, and since the vaccines are our best protection, I encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.
Last week, it was announced that the Pfizer vaccine is now approved for use for anyone 12 and older. As a result, we will be arranging to acquire some of this vaccine but are unable to say when this will happen. When the Pfizer vaccine does arrive, we will administer it first in communities experiencing an outbreak or at higher risk of introduction. This is similar to how we approached the first round of vaccinations, and Iqaluit will likely be the first community to have Pfizer vaccine offered to children who are 12 and over. Like the Moderna vaccine this will be voluntary.
Please remember that there are a number of things that all of us can and should do to limit the spread of this virus:
- Maintain distancing and separation.
- Wear a mask when out in public.
- Don’t share utensils or cigarettes.
- If you are sick stay home and call the hotline.
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: May 12
| Total Tests | Total confirmed cases | Total active cases | Total recovered cases | Deaths | Total persons followed | Current persons followed |
| 13,770 | 594 | 69 | 521 | 4 | 8656 | 437 |
* 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: May 12
| Community |
Active COVID-19 transmission |
Time period | Confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday | Confirmed COVID-19 cases today | Change in case count +/- from previous day | Deaths | Recovered Cases | Total active cases |
| Iqaluit | Ongoing | Since 14/04/2021 | 183 | 191 | 8 | 0 | 122 | 69 |
| Kinngait | Ongoing | Since 19/04/2021 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Rankin Inlet | Ongoing | Since 24/04/2021 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Arviat | over |
11/2020 – 04/2021 |
339 | 339 | 0 | 1 | 338 | 0 |
| Whale Cove | over |
11/2020 – 02/2021 |
23 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 |
| Rankin Inlet | over |
11/2020 – 12/2020 |
19 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 |
| Sanikiluaq | over |
11/2020 – 12/2020 |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 574 | 582 | 8 | 1 | 512 | 69 |
COVID-19 vaccination status: May 10
| Nunavut Total Population Estimates by Community, as of July 1 2020 | Vaccine uptake Meditech numbers as of May 10, 2021 | |||||
| Total | 18 and over | Done 1 dose | % | Done 2 dose | % | |
| Nunavut | 39,353 | 24,878 | 16,426 | 66% | 12,879 | 52% |
| Qikiqtaaluk Region | 20,822 | 13,359 | 9,332 | 70% | 6,687 | 50% |
|
Arctic Bay |
946 | 530 |
339 |
64% | 293 | 55% |
| Clyde River | 1,192 | 688 | 474 | 69% | 385 | 56% |
| Grise Fiord | 140 | 96 | 68 | 71% | 41 | 43% |
| Igloolik | 1,987 | 1,094 | 481 | 44% | 376 | 34% |
| Iqaluit | 8,284 | 6,049 | 5,016 | 83% | 3,343 | 55% |
| Kimmirut | 427 | 265 | 178 | 67% | 161 | 61% |
| Kinngait | 1,547 | 923 | 505 | 55% | 316 | 34% |
| Pangnirtung | 1,631 | 1,008 | 612 | 61% | 471 | 47% |
| Pond Inlet | 1,794 | 1,031 | 602 | 58% | 461 | 45% |
| Qikiqtarjuaq | 651 | 421 | 224 | 53% | 163 | 39% |
| Resolute Bay | 218 | 136 | 174 | 128% | 113 | 83% |
| Sanikiluaq | 1,014 | 573 | 328 | 57% | 295 | 51% |
| Sanirajak | 1,000 | 545 | 331 | 61% | 261 | 49% |
| Kivalliq Region | 11,388 | 7,011 | 4,454 | 64% | 3,845 | 55% |
| Arviat | 29,918 | 1,696 | 1,247 | 74% | 1061 | 63% |
| Baker Lake | 2,265 | 1,471 | 828 | 56% | 710 | 48% |
| Chesterfield Inlet | 453 | 287 | 177 | 62% | 159 | 55% |
| Coral Harbour | 973 | 554 | 269 | 49% | 221 | 40% |
| Naujaat | 1,270 | 648 | 325 | 50% | 280 | 43% |
| Rankin Inlet | 3,026 | 2,089 | 1,438 | 69% | 1279 | 61% |
| Whale Cove | 483 | 266 | 170 | 64% | 136 | 51% |
| Kitikmeot Region | 7,143 | 4,508 | 2,640 | 59% | 2,347 | 52% |
| Cambridge Bay | 1,902 | 1,352 | 976 | 72% | 866 | 64% |
| Gjoa Haven | 1,398 | 836 | 404 | 48% | 368 | 44% |
| Kugaaruk | 1,180 | 650 | 273 | 42% | 256 | 39% |
| Kugluktuk | 1,517 | 1,000 | 570 | 57% | 486 | 49% |
| Taloyoak | 1,143 | 670 | 417 | 62% | 371 | 55% |
This information shows the number of doses given in a community as of May 10, 2021.
Territorial totals for doses are an accurate summary. The community level data is under review to ensure appropriate attribution. Community totals will be adjusted as needed. This may lead to minor fluctuations in the percentages by community.
Doses are typically attributed to the community in which they are administered.
Total doses given will include residents and non-residents, including rotational workers.
An individual may have received dose 1 and/or dose 2 outside of their community of residence.
This does not account for people who may have been vaccinated partially or fully out of territory.
A high percentage in one community does not equal herd immunity. There is no established or defined percentage of what herd immunity is for COVID-19. Whatever herd immunity may be, it cannot achieved with current vaccine approvals (e.g. no vaccine available for children under twelve).
Source: Statistics Canada, Demography Division, Special tabulations. Prepared by: Nunavut Bureau of Statistics, January 27, 2021.
Eligible adults in community are defined as the number of individuals 18 and older as per the 2020 population estimates.
The community population estimates are "non-official" since they are not based on components of population growth (births, deaths and migration). They should be used with caution.
Testing stats to date: May 12
| Community | Tests Positive | Tests Negative |
| Iqaluit | 191 | 2,462 |
| Kinngait | 6 | 147 |
| Rankin Inlet | 2 | 75 |
| Arviat | 339 | 2,883 |
| Whale Cove | 23 | 352 |
| Rankin Inlet | 19 | 339 |
| Sanikiluaq | 2 | 202 |
| TOTAL | 582 | 6,460 |
Isolation population:
| Traveler Type | Guests in Isolation as of May 11 |
| Medical | 391 |
| Public | 211 |
| EMTI | 43 |
| Construction | 21 |
| Total | 665 |
Traveller repatriation summary:
| Departure Date | # of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites |
| May 11, 2021 | 82 |
| May 12, 2021 | 65 |
| May 13, 2021 | 43 |
| May 14, 2021 | 51 |
| May 15, 2021 | 3 |
| Total | 244 |
Critical Worker Requests:
As of May 12, there were 16,271 requests, 8,077 of which were critical worker requests.
| Request Status | # | % |
| Approved (includes critical and non-critical) | 12,506 | 76.9% |
| Denied | 311 | 1.9% |
| Pending | 527 | 3.2% |
| Common Travel Area | 2927 | 18.0% |
| Total | 16,271 | 100% |
Department of Education Services
New developments in programs/ services:
K-12 Schools
According to the Chief Public Health Officer, the following stage changes will apply to Nunavut schools:
- On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, all schools in Kinngait will move to Stage 3.
Kinngait schools will implement their Stage 3 action plan.
Early Learning and Child Care
As of Wednesday, May 12, 2021, Kinngait childcare facilities can reopen.
Ongoing services:
K-12 Schools
The following stages continue to be in effect:
- Stage 4 – Schools in Iqaluit
- Stage 3 – Schools in the Qikiqtani region, except Sanikiluaq and Iqaluit
- Stage 2 – Schools in Rankin Inlet
- Stage 1 – Schools in Sanikiluaq, the Kitikmeot region, and Kivalliq region, except for Rankin Inlet
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 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
According to the Chief Public Health Officer, the following stage changes will apply to Nunavut schools:
- On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, all schools in Kinngait will move to Stage 3.
Kinngait schools will implement their Stage 3 action plan.
- In Stage 3, instruction for all grade levels will be a blend of in-school and remote learning. Elementary school students will attend school three days per week. Middle and high school students will attend school two days per week with staggered schedules to reduce physical interaction. All school staff will report to school, and will adhere to strict physical distancing and other health and safety measures. School staff will regularly communicate with all students.
Early Learning and Child Care
As of Wednesday, May 12, 2021, Kinngait childcare facilities can reopen.
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
K-12 Schools
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
Iqaluit childcare facilities are closed until further notice.
Department of Justice
New developments in programs/ services:
Since the last update, 3 inmates have recovered and have been moved to a new unit. The current number of inmates with COVID-19 is 8.
All staff and inmates at the affected facilities have been tested for COVID-19 and contact tracing with the Department of Health is ongoing.
Ongoing services:
All other correctional facilities remain operational.
Community Corrections offices in Kinngait are reopening to the public today, May 12, 2021.
Adjusted services:
All inmates are confined to their dorms to isolate.
Additional safety measures are being taken in both affected facilities, including enhanced use of personal protective equipment.
Closed /Cancelled/Suspended services:
All access to Makigiarvik and Baffin Correctional Centre has been limited to staff and inmates only.
Qulliq Energy Corporation
New developments in programs/services:
Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) wants to remind Nunavummiut that Customer Care supports are available to help customers during the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Ongoing services:
QEC will continue to deliver safe and reliable power to Nunavummiut. The corporation has been working diligently to implement plans to protect employees as we continue performing required maintenance work and keep critically important electricity systems operating reliably across the territory.
Adjusted services:
QEC estimated monthly billing for Kinngait customers for the April 1 to 30 billing period.
Closed/Cancelled/Suspended services:
QEC Customer Care offices in Iqaluit remain closed until further notice. Iqaluit customers are being served by QEC’s Baker Lake Customer Care team by phoning 1-866-710-4200 or emailing @email with questions or concerns about their accounts.
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.