Public health restrictions eased in Kinngait and Iqaluit, masks mandatory across the territory
News Release
Public health restrictions eased in Kinngait and Iqaluit, masks mandatory across the territory
Iqaluit, Nunavut (June 7, 2021) – Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, announced changes to COVID-19 public health measures in Kinngait and Iqaluit today.
“With no one remaining in isolation in Kinngait, COVID-19 cases in Iqaluit falling and new cases in the city contained to homes with already active virus, it is safe to ease measures in both communities," said Dr. Patterson.
In Kinngait effective Wednesday, June 9, indoor home gatherings can have 15 people in addition to household members and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed. It is highly recommended that people keep their social circles small. Long-term care facilities, continuing care centres, boarding homes and health centres may allow a maximum of two visitors from their immediate family, per resident, with mandatory masks.
Daycares may open and schools may open at Stage 2 of the 2020-2021 Opening Plan for Nunavut Schools. Government offices and private businesses may also open with masks and physical distancing. Indoor gatherings for support groups and group counselling can re-open for up to 20 people and indoor public gatherings including places of worship and arenas can take place for up to 50 people or 50 per cent of the facility's capacity, whichever is less. Masks remain mandatory in indoor public places (including offices) and when within six feet of another person. Food service and licensed establishments may open for regular business at 50% capacity.
In Iqaluit, as of Friday June 11, personal services such as hairdressers and beauty salons may open, masks are mandatory. Travel in and out of the city continues to be restricted, and masks remain mandatory in indoor public places (including offices) and when within six feet of another person. In light of this morning’s vaccine travel exemption announcement, as of June 14, fully vaccinated travellers leaving Iqaluit will no longer need to isolate at their final, in-territory destination.
Also as of June 14, masks will be mandatory in every community across the territory anywhere and anytime physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Vaccine clinics continue across Nunavut. Call your health centre to make an appointment. The vaccine is safe, effective and our best defense against COVID-19.
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. EST, or notify their community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days. Please do not go to the health centre in person.
For all the latest information go to www.gov.nu.ca.
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Media Contact:
Chris Puglia
A/Manager Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email