COVID-19 GN Update - March 26, 2021

COVID-19 GN Update - March 26, 2021

Premier’s update:

Good morning. For the sixth day in a row, there are no active cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut. Way to go, Arviat!

To date, 12884 Nunavummiut have received the first dose, and 6785 Nunavummiut are now fully vaccinated against the virus.

I’ve had a few messages from concerned Nunavummiut about people not wearing masks. While masks are not mandatory, they are highly recommended and still an important measure. The reality is that we don’t know when and where COVID will re-appear, so we need to maintain our practices and be vigilant.

This virus is still a constant threat – please continue to be cautious and minimize risks and follow all the public health measures.

The vaccine is also an important step in our fight to limit the effects of COVID-19. Please make an appointment to get your shot, if you haven’t already. We have the vaccines – now it’s up to each one of us to make sure we do our part for the health of our communities and loved ones.

I know Dr. Patterson has some important announcements, so I’ll let him get to that. Have a safe and healthy weekend.

Chief Public Health Officer Update:

Good morning,

Effective Monday March 29, travel in and out of Arviat will no longer require approval from the CPHO travel team. However, people still under isolation for exposure to COVID-19 are not allowed to travel until their isolation period is complete. It is very important that if you are still required to isolate you do for the full period. This will reduce the risk of further transmission of COVID-19. The community and health teams have worked hard to bring Arviat back to no active cases and if we are diligent, we can reduce the risk of additional cases. Anyone under isolation who breaks isolation, including travel out of the community, is subject to a fine under the Public Health Orders.

This week we surpassed the 50% mark of adults across the territory receiving their first dose of the vaccine. This is great news, but one dose is not enough. As second dose clinics roll out across the territory, I encourage those who received their first dose to get the second shot.

Those who missed their first dose can still call the health centre to make an appointment for the vaccine. It is not too late, and vaccine is available. Out of all the measures that keep us safe, the vaccine is the most effective, and our best protection against COVID-19.

As many know, the Kivalliq Inuit Association will be holding its election in Arviat next month. We will ensure that public health measures do not prevent these kinds of important activities from going forward. To assist elections during the pandemic, we have developed guidelines that will help organizers safely plan and hold elections.

I want to wrap up today on a lighter note. As many know, spring celebrations are right around the corner. To help with these celebrations, we have issued an order that designates the Honorary Toonik and Ollie the Musk Ox as providers of critical services; specifically, the delivery of springtime celebrations, fun and games. This order exempts these important figures from travel restrictions. They will also be allowed to enter dwellings to ensure children are behaving. They do have to practise social distancing.

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 the latest information on vaccine clinics in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination

COVID-19 case status: March 26

*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 vaccination status: March 26

*Total vaccine administered is updated as regularly as possible, but might be lower than actual count.

COVID-19 community case statistics: March 26

*Cases acquired out of territory are not reflected in the community case breakdown.

Testing stats to date per community: March 26

Isolation population: 

Traveller repatriation summary:

Critical Worker Requests:

As of March 18, there were 13636 requests, 6735 of which were critical worker requests.

*Latest data is unavailable.

Department of Education Services

Early Learning and Child Care

Arviat’s Aboriginal Head Start preschool programs are currently providing early childhood learning packages. The facility will open Monday, March 29.

On Wednesday, March 24, Arviat’s Shared Care Child Care facility opened.

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.