COVID-19 GN Update - May 6, 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 778. 326 people are currently under investigation and 452 are no longer under investigation.

I’m announcing that last week’s decision about charging for mandatory 14-day isolation stays for residents returning to the territory has been reversed, and no one will be charged any fees.

The Government of Nunavut will continue to cover these costs as long as mandatory isolation for residents returning to the territory is in place.

Travel at this time is a risk and we don’t want to undo all the hard work we’ve done. We don’t recommend travel outside of Nunavut during this pandemic, but we do not want to unnecessarily burden people financially.

On behalf of our government, we’re sorry for the confusion.

I also want to take some time this afternoon to apologize – I said something at Monday’s press event that I regret. My comments about the recruitment of teachers was careless and dismissive. This is no reflection of how much this government values teachers. It was a reactionary, inappropriate response.

I’m sorry and want all our teachers to know how much I appreciate their dedication and commitment to our students. I take responsibility for your disappointment and will speak more carefully in the future.

Teachers – thank you for all you do for Nunavut. Your contributions are respected and please don’t let my unfortunate comments discourage you.

Chief Public Health Officer update:

Since it was confirmed that the detected COVID case in Nunavut was a false positive, the territory has witnessed great displays of solidarity, support, and pride. The additional restrictions in Pond Inlet have been lifted, and I hope that the community feels a measure of relief knowing that they are still COVID-free.

This is good news. As a territory, we have done well so far.

However, we cannot allow our celebration to lapse into complacency. It is more important than ever that we maintain these rules that we’ve all become familiar with. The threat of COVID-19 is still very real and we need to stay the course.

• Practise social distancing.
• Avoid contact with individuals who are not a member of your household.
• Limit trips for errands.
• Purchase only the supplies that your household needs.
• And, of course, wash your hands.

There is no combination of measures that can absolutely guarantee the prevention of COVID-19. Even as we celebrate for Pond Inlet, all Nunavummiut need to remain vigilant and cautious. Follow the rules, and encourage your friends, family, and neighbours to do the same.

I want to thank all Nunavummiut for their continued patience, understanding, and cooperation. We can only get through this together.

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:

Travel outside the territory as of May 7, 2020:

The Government of Nunavut’s decision to charge $2,100 per individual and $1,050 for each additional family member during the mandatory 14-day isolation stays for residents returning to the territory has been reversed.

The Government of Nunavut will continue to cover these costs as long as mandatory isolation for residents returning to the territory is in place.

Please keep in mind that travel outside of Nunavut during the COVID-19 pandemic is not advised.

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 5, there are 872 requests, 667 of which are critical worker requests.

Department of Justice Services

The Government of Nunavut has various programs and services that are available to support victims and survivors of violence. We want to remind Nunavummiut that we are still here, and we can help during this very difficult time. We are aware that life is very difficult for many families and individuals and it can put added stress on a home. You should not feel isolated or alone, we are here to help.

Individuals are asked to contact the on-call Family Abuse Intervention Act (FAIA) line if they have any questions or need support using the following number 1-844-534-1038. The call will be assessed to determine the support needed and directed to a Community Justice Specialist who can help with applications and resource referrals.

The Victim Services Office is closed to the public at this time. However, Nunavummiut who need to contact the office can do so by calling the Toll-Free line at 1-866-456-5216 or emailing @email. Services will be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Department of Family Services

If you or someone you know is a victim of violence and needs access to services and supports, help is available.

If you aren’t able to talk to a local Social Work Office, please call the Department of Family Services at 1-855-522-5201 for a referral. You can also find more information at the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council Facebook page.

If you need support, you have options. Please reach out and contact any of the following:

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.