Premier’s update:
Ullakkut,
And a special greeting to all the Elders watching.
As of this morning Nunavut has 310 positive cases of COVID-19. We have active cases in 21 communities – the reported numbers are:
- One in Arctic Bay
- Four in Arviat,
- Five in Baker Lake,
- Three in Cambridge Bay,
- Zero in Chesterfield Inlet,
- Two in Clyde River
- Four in Coral Harbour,
- 25 in Igloolik
- 85 in Iqaluit,
- 10 in Gjoa Haven,
- Zero Kimmirut
- Four in Kinngait,
- 26 in Kugaaruk,
- One in Kugluktuk
- Eight in Naujaat,
- 19 in Pangnirtung,
- 24 in Pond Inlet,
- Three in Qikiqtarjuaq,
- 40 in Rankin Inlet,
- Four in Resolute Bay
- 18 in Sanirajak,
- Three in Sanikiluaq,
- 21 in Taloyoak, and
- Zero in Whale Cove.
There have been 2,230 total reported recoveries in this outbreak.
Since 2020. our strategy in dealing with the pandemic has been to keep our territory COVID-19 free.
For the past two years, we have shared case count numbers for each community in hopes of one day returning to zero cases.
Today, we need a new approach. We now know a great deal more about COVID-19 and the ways the virus mutates into different strains.
We are also learning important lessons on what works in managing the impacts of COVID-19 on our communities.
Furthermore, we are armed with important tools such as the COVID-19 vaccine.
To date, Dr. Patterson’s sound advice has helped to keep our communities as protected as possible from the risks of the pandemic.
In the next few weeks and months – with Dr. Patterson’s guidance – Nunavut will be following the lead of other jurisdictions across Canada and the world – and we will look to Dr. Patterson for guidance on a roadmap for how to “live with COVID-19.”
Rest assured that any plans put in place will be designed with the specific needs of our territory.
We know that solutions that may work for some urban centres such as Toronto and Vancouver may not always be appropriate for Iqaluit, Whale Cove or Cambridge Bay.
While our approach to COVID-19 may change – continuing to adhere to public health measures will continue to help keep our families and communities safe – including vulnerable individuals such as Elders and children too young to get vaccinated.
In the interim, please continue to do your part, wear a mask, get vaccinated and get your booster shot.
Stay home when possible.
Stick to your small bubble.
Qujannamiik.
Chief Public Health Officer Update:
As of Sunday, there have been 23 Nunavummiut hospitalized since this current wave of COVID-19 infection started.
Last week, whole genome sequencing revealed that one person in Iqaluit had been infected with the BA.2 strain of COVID-19 infection. There is no evidence that this variant has started spreading. Although this strain spreads more easily than Omicron, it does not appear to be any more likely to cause serious infection than Omicron.
Measures in Arctic Bay, Pangnirtung, Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Coral Harbour, Sanikiluaq, Cambridge Bay, Kugaaruk, Resolute and Pond Inlet, will be eased to allow for larger public gatherings and more visitors in homes. Restaurants and licensed businesses may open to reduced capacity and indoor team sports can resume. Changes as of Monday, February 28 will include the following key points:
- Outdoor gatherings increase to 50 people.
- Indoor gatherings increase to 10 people plus household members.
- Restaurants and licensed facilities may open at 25 people capacity or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is less. No singing or dancing will be permitted.
- Public indoor gatherings increase to 25 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less.
- Gym capacity is 25 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less. Solo workouts only.
- Libraries, museums, and galleries capacity increases to 25 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less. No group tours will be permitted.
- Arena capacity may increase to 50 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less, as well as a maximum of 50 spectators. Team sports are allowed.
- Places of worship are limited to 50 people or 25 per cent capacity, but no singing is permitted.
- Long-term care facilities may allow two visitors per resident from their immediate family.
These measures align with what is already in place in Arviat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Clyde River, Gjoa Haven, Grise Fjord, Kimmirut, Kinngait, Kugluktuk, Naujaat, Qikiqtarjuaq, Sanirajak, and Whale Cove.
There are no changes to Public Health Measures in Igloolik, Taloyoak.
Please remember that masks remain mandatory in almost all public spaces. Getting vaccinated and boosted as soon as you are eligible, as well as wearing a mask are your best methods of protection against severe infection.
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 statistics: February 22, 2022
| Total Tests | Total confirmed cases | Total active cases | Total recovered cases | Deaths | Total persons vaccinated with at least one dose in Nunavut | Total persons vaccinated with two doses in Nunavut | Total persons vaccinated with three doses in Nunavut |
| 334,482 | 2,545 | 310 | 2,230 | 5 | 33,053 | 27,776 | 13,523 |
COVID-19 community case statistics: February 22, 2022
| Community |
COVID-19 status |
Time period |
Public case count yesterday (TOTAL) |
Public case count today (TOTAL) | Change from yesterday (cases) | Cumulative Recovered | Change from yesterday (recoveries) | Total Active Cases |
| Clyde River | Ongoing | February 18, 2022 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Arctic Bay | Ongoing | February 12, 2022 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Resolute Bay | Ongoing | February 18, 2022 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 11 | 5 | 4 |
| Kugluktuk | Ongoing | Since 23 Jan 2022 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 1 |
| Kimmirut | Ongoing | Since 22 Jan 2022 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Naujaat | Ongoing | Since 15 Jan 2022 | 24 | 26 | 2 | 18 | 2 | 8 |
| Kugaaruk | Ongoing | Since 14 Jan 2022 | 49 | 49 | 0 | 23 | 17 | 26 |
| Gjoa Haven | Ongoing | Since 14 Jan 2022 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 10 |
| Taloyoak | Ongoing | Since 11 Jan 2022 | 97 | 97 | 0 | 76 | 11 | 21 |
| Coral Harbour | Ongoing | Since 9 Jan 2022 | 60 | 60 | 1 | 56 | 9 | 4 |
| Whale Cove | Ongoing | Since 7 Jan 2022 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Sanikiluaq | Ongoing | Since 4 Jan 2022 | 56 | 56 | 0 | 53 | 11 | 3 |
| Kinngait | Ongoing | Since 01/02/2022 | 88 | 88 | 0 | 84 | 8 | 4 |
| Pond Inlet | Ongoing | Since 01/01/2022 | 43 | 46 | 3 | 22 | 3 | 24 |
| Chesterfield Inlet | Ongoing | Since 01/01/2022 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Cambridge Bay | Ongoing | Since 12/30/2021 | 126 | 126 | 0 | 123 | 12 | 3 |
| Igloolik | Ongoing |
Since 12/29/2021 |
184 | 184 | 0 | 159 | 23 | 25 |
| Baker Lake | Ongoing | Since 12/29/2021 | 115 | 115 | 0 | 110 | 17 | 5 |
|
Arviat |
Ongoing | Since 12/29/2021 | 136 | 136 | 0 | 132 | 15 | 4 |
| Sanirajak | Ongoing |
Since 12/29/2021 |
62 | 63 | 1 | 45 | 12 | 18 |
| Qikiqtarjuaq | Ongoing |
Since 12/28/2021 |
16 | 16 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 3 |
| Rankin Inlet | Ongoing |
Since 12/23/2021 |
192 | 194 | 2 | 154 | 32 | 40 |
| Pangnirtung | Ongoing |
Since 12/23/2021 |
60 | 60 | 0 | 41 | 5 | 19 |
| 0 | Ongoing | Since 11/04/2021 | 465 | 474 | 9 | 389 | 73 | 85 |
| TOTAL | 1854 | 1872 | 18 | 1561 | 256 | 310 |
*Please note: These numbers change frequently. Every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date and complete, but it may not reflect all persons followed or tested.
** Starting 17 Jan 2022, confirmed cases include those meeting the revised Nunavut case definitions. This includes COVID-19 cases detected either by a confirmatory (PCR) or a presumptive (rapid) test.
***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: February 21, 2022
Details/Limitations:
This information shows the number of doses given in a community as of February 22, 2022. The percentage of vaccine administered is vaccine administered divided by the Nunavut population estimate for 18 and older.
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.
Multiple communities represent individuals who received doses in two separate communities, or in communities that are not their place of residence.
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 maybe 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.
Dose numbers are from the Department of Health's Meditech system.
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.
Isolation population:
| Traveler Type | Guests in Isolation as of February 21 |
| Medical | 52 |
| Public | 2 |
| EMTI | 0 |
| Construction | 0 |
| Total | 54 |
Traveller repatriation summary:
| Departure Date | # of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites |
| Feb. 21, 2022 | 10 |
| Feb. 22, 2022 | 7 |
| Feb. 23, 2022 | 0 |
| Feb. 24, 2022 | 2 |
| Feb. 25, 2022 | 5 |
| Feb. 26, 2022 | 8 |
| Total | 31 |
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services
Adjusted services:
Motor Vehicles
Limited in-person services are available by appointment only. Please contact the Motor Vehicles Division ahead of time at MotorVehicles@gov.nu.ca to make an appointment. Clients without email access can contact the division by telephone at 867-975-7840.
Nunavummiut can also visit gov.nu.ca/motorvehicles to access:
- Driver’s Licence Renewals.
- General Identification Card Renewals.
- Vehicle Registration Renewals.
- Requests for Driver’s Abstracts, Vehicle Searches, and Accident Reports.
Department of Education Services
New developments in your programs/services:
K-12 Schools
Based on the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), on Monday, February 21, 2022, Gjoa Haven schools opened to 50% capacity.
- Schools will communicate directly to students and families regarding their status and cohort plans.
- If parents are not sure when their student is returning to class, they should contact their student’s teacher.
Based on the advice of the CPHO, on Monday, February 21, 2022, Baker Lake, Igloolik, and Kinngait schools opened at 100% capacity.
- Baker Lake, Igloolik, and Kinngait schools will adhere to all health and safety precautions following department guidelines.
- Students and staff are reminded to wear masks at school and on the bus.
- The Department of Education, through the COVID Secretariat, has received 15,600 COVID-19 rapid access tests for school and child care facility staff and is preparing to distribute them in the coming weeks.
Early Learning and Child Care
Based on the advice of the CPHO, on Monday, February 21, 2022, Igloolik child care facilities may open to all children.
Ongoing services:
K-12 Schools
Based on the advice of the CPHO, on Monday, February 21, 2022, Baker Lake, Igloolik, and Kinngait schools will open to 100% capacity.
- Baker Lake, Igloolik, and Kinngait schools will adhere to all health and safety precautions following department guidelines.
- Students and staff are reminded to wear masks at school and on the bus.
With the exception of Taloyoak, all other Nunavut schools are open to students at either 50% capacity or 100% capacity, depending on the COVID-19 situation in each community.
- Schools in Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, and Sanikiluaq are open at 50% capacity.
- Schools in all other communities are open at 100% capacity.
- Schools will communicate directly to students and families regarding their status and cohort plans.
- If parents are not sure about their student’s cohort, they should contact their student’s teacher.
The Department of Education, through the COVID Secretariat, has received 15,600 COVID-19 rapid access tests for school and child care facility staff and is preparing to distribute them in the coming weeks.
FANS
The FANS office continues to process payments for students who have submitted their FANS Student Enrollment Form (SEF).
Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) students who have not yet done so should send their FANS SEF (with Part A completed) and their NAC enrollment verification letter to the FANS office. Students must allow up to 15 business days from the date they submitted their required enrollment document(s) to FANS to the date they should see the funds deposited into their bank account. If after 15 business days students have not received a deposit in their bank account, they can email fans@gov.nu.ca to let them know. Students should attach a copy of their bank statement from January 1 to the current date.
Questions about FANS benefits can be sent to fans@gov.nu.ca. Students with questions about their FANS-eligible travel can contact fanstravel@gov.nu.ca for information.
Students who experience flight changes during their travel should email fanstravel@gov.nu.ca during office hours or, if it is after hours, call the after-hours travel number at 1-867-857-6950.
Adjusted services:
K-12 Schools
Based on the advice of the CPHO, on Monday, February 21, 2022, Gjoa Haven schools opened to 50% capacity.
- Schools will communicate directly to students and families regarding their status and cohort plans.
- If parents are not sure when their student is returning to class, they should contact their student’s teacher.
FANS
During peak times for the FANS office, such as the start of a new semester, the service standard for responding to emails is 3-5 business days. Response times from the FANS office may be delayed due to active COVID-19 cases in Arviat.
Currently, FANS staff are working remotely, and the regular FANS phone line is not being monitored. If you would like to speak to a FANS representative, please send an email to set up an appointment at fans@gov.nu.ca. The best way to contact FANS is by email at fans@gov.nu.ca.
Closed/Cancelled/Suspended Services:
K-12 Schools
As advised by the CPHO, schools in Taloyoak are closed to students and staff.
Schools in Taloyoak are contacting students and parents regarding remote learning.
Nunavummiut’s health is our shared responsibility! Remember: wash your hands, get vaccinated, practice social distancing, listen to the advice of health officials, and stay home if you’re sick.