Premier’s update:
Ullakkut,
As of this morning Nunavut has 366 positive cases of COVID-19.
We have active cases in 18 communities – the reported numbers are:
- 16 in Arviat,
- 18 in Baker Lake,
- 18 in Cambridge Bay,
- Two in Chesterfield Inlet,
- 11 in Coral Harbour,
- 38 in Igloolik
- 130 in Iqaluit,
- One in Gjoa Haven,
- Zero Kimmirut
- 12 in Kinngait,
- Zero in Kugaaruk,
- Six Kugluktuk
- Zero in Naujaat,
- Five in Pangnirtung,
- Six in Pond Inlet,
- Four in Qikiqtarjuaq,
- 34 in Rankin Inlet,
- Nine in Sanirajak,
- 15 in Sanikiluaq,
- 38 in Taloyoak, and
- Three in Whale Cove.
We also have four presumptive cases in Resolute Bay. We have 196 reported recoveries today. There have been 971 total reported recoveries in this outbreak.
Once again, I want to remind Nunavummiut of the available COVID-19 resource. If you develop symptoms such as a – runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever or difficulty breathing –call the COVID hotline at 1-888-975-8601.
If you are isolating because of COVID-19, you can call 1-888-902-0872 or email isolationsupports@gov.nu.ca to access the Government of Nunavut isolation grocery hamper.
For those with travel related questions please call Government of Nunavut’s toll-free travel line at 1-833-524-0735.
We all know that the best way to protect ourselves, our Elders, our children and our community is through vaccination. Please get vaccinated, and get your booster shot.
As always, continue to adhere to public health measures.
Stay home when possible.
Stick to your small bubble.
Wear a mask.
Qujannamiik.
Minister of Health Update:
Good morning,
There are now 22 communities in the territory with active outbreaks. I want to reassure Nunavummiut that the Government of Nunavut and health staff are doing everything within our power to provide care and services in this stressful time.
We are working to get more support on the ground. Health continues its recruitment efforts to hire more nurses, the federal government has assisted with resources, including two nurses for Rankin Inlet.
The Red Cross has also provided assistance with six nurses to assist with COVID-19 response in Igloolik, Baker Lake and Taloyoak, the communities currently with the most COVID-19 cases outside of Iqaluit.
We are working to increase staffing for the hotline to help reduce wait times and ensure timely access to testing.
I also want to assure the people of Cambridge Bay that Health is working hard to care for and protect the Elders at the Cambridge Bay Continuing Care Centre. Unfortunately, there are now 13 people, staff and clients, who have tested positive for the virus. Fortunately, all Elders at the centre are fully vaccinated and have their booster, which will reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. Staffing continues to be adequate at the centre.
Finally, I’d like to thank our incredible teams of staff working to vaccinate Nunavummiut. Since December 21, they have administered approximately 2,370 first doses and 2,000 Second doses of vaccine. Nunavut has also delivered a total of 12,520 booster doses to date.
A friendly reminder on vaccines – they are available to all eligible Nunavummiut and clinics for 5 to 11 second doses are rolling out. The vaccines are safe. The vaccine are effective. Please, If you are not vaccinated, please get the dose or doses that you need, as this is a vital step to reducing harm from COVID outbreaks.
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 8, 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 |
| 32,416 | 2011 | 366 | 1640 | 5 | 32,500 | 26,645 | 12,523 |
COVID-19 community case statistics: February 8, 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 |
| Kugluktuk | Ongoing | Since 23 Jan 2022 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 6 |
| Kimmirut | Ongoing | Since 22 Jan 2022 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Naujaat | Ongoing | Since 15 Jan 2022 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Kugaaruk | Ongoing | Since 14 Jan 2022 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Gjoa Haven | Ongoing | Since 14 Jan 2022 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Taloyoak | Ongoing | Since 11 Jan 2022 | 57 | 58 | 1 | 21 | 9 | 38 |
| Coral Harbour | Ongoing | Since 9 Jan 2022 | 52 | 53 | 1 | 42 | 17 | 11 |
| Whale Cove | Ongoing | Since 7 Jan 2022 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 16 | 2 | 3 |
| Sanikiluaq | Ongoing | Since 4 Jan 2022 | 54 | 54 | 0 | 39 | 8 | 15 |
| Kinngait | Ongoing | Since 01/02/2022 | 7 | 78 | 1 | 66 | 8 | 12 |
| Pond Inlet | Ongoing | Since 01/01/2022 | 18 | 19 | 1 | 13 | 8 | 6 |
| Chesterfield Inlet | Ongoing | Since 01/01/2022 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Cambridge Bay | Ongoing | Since 12/30/2021 | 108 | 108 | 0 | 90 | 22 | 18 |
| Igloolik | Ongoing |
Since 12/29/2021 |
149 | 149 | 0 | 111 | 52 | 38 |
| Baker Lake | Ongoing | Since 12/29/2021 | 96 | 97 | 1 | 79 | 28 | 18 |
|
Arviat |
Ongoing | Since 12/29/2021 | 128 | 128 | 0 | 112 | 3 | 16 |
| Sanirajak | Ongoing |
Since 12/29/2021 |
33 | 33 | 0 | 24 | 3 | 9 |
| Qikiqtarjuaq | Ongoing |
Since 12/28/2021 |
13 | 13 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 4 |
| Rankin Inlet | Ongoing |
Since 12/23/2021 |
128 | 128 | 0 | 94 | 6 | 34 |
| Pangnirtung | Ongoing |
Since 12/23/2021 |
36 | 36 | 0 | 31 | 5 | 5 |
| 0 | Ongoing | Since 11/04/2021 | 298 | 315 | 17 | 185 | 20 | 130 |
| TOTAL | 1316 | 1338 | 22 | 971 | 196 | 366 |
*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 8, 2022
Details/Limitations:
This information shows the number of doses given in a community as of February 8, 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 may be 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 7 |
| Medical | 31 |
| Public | 1 |
| EMTI | 0 |
| Construction | 0 |
| Total | 32 |
Traveller repatriation summary:
| Departure Date | # of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites |
| Feb. 8, 2022 | 2 |
| Feb. 9, 2022 | 3 |
| Feb. 10, 2022 | 9 |
| Feb. 11, 2022 | 0 |
| Feb. 12, 2022 | 2 |
| Total | 18 |
Department of Education Services
Based on the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), on Monday, February 7, 2022, Arviat and Rankin Inlet schools opened to 100% capacity.
- Arviat and Rankin Inlet 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.
On Monday, February 7, 2022, Sakku School in Coral Harbour opened to 100% capacity.
- Sakku School had been closed due to operational requirements.
Ongoing services:
K-12 Schools
Based on the advice of the CPHO, on Monday, February 7, 2022, Arviat and Rankin Inlet schools opened to 100% capacity.
- Arviat and Rankin Inlet 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.
On Monday, February 7, 2022, Sakku School in Coral Harbour opened to 100% capacity.
- Sakku School had been closed due to operational requirements.
With the exception of Igloolik and 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 Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Kinngait, 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.
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:
Early Learning and Child Care
As advised by the CPHO, Igloolik child care facilities may remain open for essential workers.
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 Igloolik and Taloyoak are closed to students and staff.
- Schools in Igloolik and 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.