Public health restrictions eased across the Kivalliq

News Release

Public health restrictions eased across the Kivalliq

Iqaluit, Nunavut (April 6, 2021) –Today, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, announced changes to public health measures across the Kivalliq region.

“It has been more than three weeks since a case of COVID-19 has been identified in Arviat. There hasn't been an active case in the community since March 20 and no COVID-19 cases have been identified in the rest of the region,” said Dr. Patterson. “Based on current circumstances, it is safe to once again ease public health measures across all communities in the Kivalliq region. While some public health orders come into effect tomorrow, we ask community members to be patient as municipalities and organizations take the necessary steps to adjust and implement the new measures.”

In Arviat, masks remain mandatory, indoor private gathering stay at five people, plus household members. Effective April 7, 2021, eased measures in the community include:

• Indoor gatherings for public community spaces, including arenas and places of worship, may allow 50 people or 50 per cent of the facility's capacity, whichever is less.
• Outdoor gatherings up to 50 people with physical distancing are permitted.
• Solo workouts with masks are allowed anywhere fitness sessions are held.
• Long-term care facilities, continuing care centres, boarding homes, and health centres may permit a maximum of two visitors from immediate family, per resident. Masks are mandatory for visitors and children aged two to four are encouraged to wear masks.

Effective April 12, 2021, schools in Arviat will move to Stage 2 of the 2020-21 Opening Plan for Nunavut Schools.

New public health measures for the remaining Kivalliq communities will take effect on April 7, 2021 and will be aligned with the rest of the territory, meaning:

• Indoor private gatherings are increased to 15 plus household members; indoor gatherings for public community spaces, including places of worship, may allow 100 people or 75 per cent of the facility's capacity, whichever is less.
• Public swimming pools, recreation centres, gyms, galleries, museums and libraries may open to a maximum occupancy of 25 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less. Group sessions are limited to 25 people.
• Arenas may open to a maximum occupancy of 50 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less.
• Buildings, all public playgrounds, municipal parks and territorial parks may open.

Vaccine clinics remain open across Nunavut. Call your health centre to make an appointment. The vaccine is safe, effective and our best defense against COVID-19.

For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path

For the latest information on Nunavut's COVID-19 vaccination campaign, go to https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination.

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Media Contact:

Chris Puglia
A/Manager Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email