Premier’s update:
I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude towards our Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, and his health team for their tireless efforts to keep Nunavut safe during the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two years.
Dr. Patterson has been at the helm, day and night, during holidays and weekends, to help protect Nunavummiut against COVID-19. He has offered good advice and an evidence-based approach to dealing with a global pandemic that impacted all aspects of our life.
I also want to thank Ooleepika Ikkidluak who has been at Dr. Patterson’s side this entire time – making sure his words are accessible to unilingual Nunavummiut – particularly our Elders.
I am grateful for Dr. Patterson’s leadership, for his patience and cool-headed approach in the face of crisis. I know that him and his team are the reason why Nunavut was COVID-free for so long.
My thanks extend to all our front-line health workers. Your sacrifices and hard work will never be forgotten.
Today we are moving towards an easing of COVID-19 health measures because we now have the tools to better protect ourselves and our communities against this virus. We know that by wearing a mask, social distancing and getting fully vaccinated we can protect ourselves, our children, and our Elders from COVID-19.
I look forward to a new normal, where we can manage COVID-19 as part of our daily life.
Minister of Health update:
Good morning, everyone,
I know many Nunavummiut are feeling ‘Covid fatigue’. For over 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on all of us, and it has impacted us all in different ways. I understand how hard it is to stay motivated and to not get discouraged.
Despite our frustration and fatigue, the safest way forward is to stay vigilant against COVID-19. Your actions still matter. Masking still matters. Isolating when sick still matters. Vaccinations still matter.
I’d like to thank the many Nunavummiut who continue to protect each other by following Public Health guidance. Please continue following that guidance in your daily lives, on things like when to wear a mask, how to recognize symptoms, when to isolate at home, self-testing and other ways to reduce your risks from COVID-19.
Even without the public health measures, we should all continue to do what’s necessary to protect our communities. If you get sick, take a self-test. If you test positive and are fully vaccinated, two doses or more of the vaccine, stay home for at least seven days. If you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and test positive, stay home for at least 10 days. If you have symptoms after your isolation period, remain isolated until you have not had symptoms for at least 24 hours.
We all have a part to play, so let’s keep working together against COVID-19.
Chief Public Health Officer Update:
Good morning,
Today we announced the next stage toward the Government of Nunavut ending the Public Health Emergency. After two years dealing with the pandemic, I believe Nunavut is ready to begin easing public health restrictions.
Monday, March 14 will be the next step of a six-week approach that will end with the lifting of the Territorial Public Health Emergency on April 11.
As with past approaches to changes in COVID-19 response, the shift will be gradual to ensure the changes do not cause undo harm to Nunavummiut or our health system.
On Monday, measures across Nunavut, with the exception of Gjoa Haven and Kugaaruk will ease slightly. We will also reduce our reporting of COVID-19 case date to once per week. At this time, the current status of COVID-19 in some communities does not allow for a measure to be the same across Nunavut, though we will be working toward that goal in the coming weeks.
On March 28, we will once again ease measures in communities and the level of restrictions will once again be based on the status of COVID-19 in the community. That same week we will:
- Lift the isolation requirement for high-risk contacts who do not have COVID-19 symptoms
- Stop announcing the arrival of COVID-19 to communities without active outbreaks.
Finally, on April 11, assuming the previous weeks go well, and we believe our health system will be able to manage COVID-19 as it would any other condition, we will lift all remaining restrictions.
These include:
- The mask mandate
- Mandatory isolation of those who are symptomatic (still requested like any other disease)
- And the public health emergency
While Nunavut will move away from an emergency response to COVID-19, the public will continue to have a role to play in protecting our communities. These changes do not mean COVID is gone. In fact, COVID-19 is here to stay, and I encourage Nunavummiut to follow public health guidance to help reduce the risk to themselves, their loved ones, our communities, and the health care system.
This means staying home when you are sick, getting the vaccine and wearing a mask when appropriate, even when it is not mandated.
I want to thank all our partners in the GN, Department of Health Staff and Nunavummiut for the sacrifices, hard work and commitment they have shown over the past two years to help fight COVID-19.
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 15, 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 |
| 36,857 | 3200 | 472 | 2723 | 5 | 33,260 | 28,244 | 13,890 |
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 |
| Clyde River | Ongoing | February 18, 2022 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Arctic Bay | Ongoing | February 12, 2022 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Resolute Bay | Ongoing | February 18, 2022 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 4 |
| Kugluktuk | Ongoing | Since 23 Jan 2022 | 43 | 42 | 2 | 19 | 0 | 23 |
| Kimmirut | Ongoing | Since 22 Jan 2022 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Naujaat | Ongoing | Since 15 Jan 2022 | 86 | 87 | 1 | 50 | 0 | 37 |
| Kugaaruk | Ongoing | Since 14 Jan 2022 | 90 | 95 | 5 | 39 | 0 | 56 |
| Gjoa Haven | Ongoing | Since 14 Jan 2022 | 63 | 65 | 2 | 21 | 0 | 44 |
| Taloyoak | Ongoing | Since 11 Jan 2022 | 102 | 102 | 0 | 92 | 0 | 10 |
| Coral Harbour | Ongoing | Since 9 Jan 2022 | 73 | 72 | 1 | 61 | 0 | 13 |
| Whale Cove | Ongoing | Since 7 Jan 2022 | 21 | 20 | -1 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Sanikiluaq | Ongoing | Since 4 Jan 2022 | 56 | 56 | 0 | 54 | 0 | 2 |
| Kinngait | Ongoing | Since 01/02/2022 | 96 | 99 | 3 | 94 | 0 | 5 |
| Pond Inlet | Ongoing | Since 01/01/2022 | 89 | 90 | 1 | 59 | 0 | 31 |
| Chesterfield Inlet | Ongoing | Since 01/01/2022 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| Cambridge Bay | Ongoing | Since 12/30/2021 | 143 | 144 | 0 | 137 | 0 | 7 |
| Igloolik | Ongoing |
Since 12/29/2021 |
220 | 220 | 0 | 203 | 0 | 17 |
| Baker Lake | Ongoing | Since 12/29/2021 | 154 | 155 | 1 | 140 | 0 | 15 |
|
Arviat |
Ongoing | Since 12/29/2021 | 136 | 136 | 0 | 164 | 0 | 2 |
| Sanirajak | Ongoing |
Since 12/29/2021 |
77 | 77 | 0 | 72 | 0 | 5 |
| Qikiqtarjuaq | Ongoing |
Since 12/28/2021 |
38 | 39 | 1 | 20 | 0 | 19 |
| Rankin Inlet | Ongoing |
Since 12/23/2021 |
263 | 269 | 6 | 225 | 0 | 44 |
| Pangnirtung | Ongoing |
Since 12/23/2021 |
76 | 76 | 0 | 55 | 0 | 21 |
| 0 | Ongoing | Since 11/04/2021 | 637 | 643 | 6 | 532 | 0 | 111 |
| TOTAL | 2497 | 2527 | 30 | 2054 | 0 | 472 |
*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: March 8, 2022
Details/Limitations:
This information shows the number of doses given in a community as of March 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 21 |
| Medical | 20 |
| Public | 0 |
| EMTI | 0 |
| Construction | 0 |
| Total | 20 |
Traveller repatriation summary:
| Departure Date | # of Travellers from Health Isolation Sites |
| March 8, 2022 | 0 |
| March 9, 2022 | 0 |
| March 10, 2022 | 2 |
| March 11, 2022 | 2 |
| March 12, 2022 | 6 |
| March 13, 2022 | 6 |
| Total | 16 |
Department of Economic Development and Transportation Services
Motor Vehicles
Motor Vehicles offices are open to the public at a limited capacity. Masks must be worn by visitors at all times.
Motor Vehicle examination services have resumed. The schedule for community driver examinations is being developed.
Clients are encouraged to access services by email at MotorVehicles@gov.nu.ca and by telephone at 1-888-975-5999.
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.
Sales of Nunavut seal skins
Sales of Nunavut seal skins through the Dressed Seal Skins for Nunavummiut program resumed on February 28, 2022, through local businesses. Sales will no longer be completed through the Fisheries and Sealing office in Iqaluit. For more information, contact edt@gov.nu.ca.
Visitors Centres
Nunavut Visitors Centres are open to the public at a limited capacity. Masks must be worn by visitors at all times.
Community Operations Offices
Community Operations Offices in all regions are open for in-person visits by appointment only. Masks must be worn by visitors at all times.
Ongoing services:
Nunavut Airports
Access to the airport is restricted to staff, passengers, and people providing necessary assistance to passengers. Masks must be worn at all times inside the airports. All staff and passengers must follow public health guidelines.
Department of Education Services
K-12 Schools
Based on the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), on Monday, March 7, 2022, Sanikiluaq schools opened at 100% capacity.
- Sanikiluaq 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.
Ongoing services:
K-12 Schools
Schools in Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak are open at 50% 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.
Schools in all other communities are open at 100% capacity.
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, March 7, 2022, Sanikiluaq schools opened at 100% capacity.
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.
Nunavut Arctic College
In preparation of the transition back to the workplace, the Nunavut Arctic College can confirm that starting March 14, 2022, the Nunavut Arctic College will be operating under stage 1 of its 2020-2021 reopening plan. The College’s Stage 1 has been updated to include mandatory mask wearing. This means that starting on March 14:
- NAC facilities are open to the public.
- The public will be required to sign in to the facilities upon entry.
- NAC will continue to enhance cleaning measures and encourage physical distancing.
- Mask wearing is mandatory in the facilities.
The Nunavut Arctic College will be sending out communications in all languages to all of its facilities reminding them of the Stage 1 responsibilities.
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.