Anyone in NWT Who Has Traveled From the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut Must Self-Isolate Immediately

Press Release

Update from Nunavut on COVID-19 indicates cluster of infections in Whale Cove.

YELLOWKNIFE 17 November 2020 – Anyone in the Northwest Territories who has traveled from the Kivalliq Region in Nunavut at any time in the last 14 days must self-isolate immediately for 14 days since arrival.

This includes the following communities:

  • Arviat
  • Baker Lake
  • Chesterfield Inlet
  • Coral Harbour
  • Naujaat
  • Rankin Inlet
  • Whale Cove

Self-isolation plans must be submitted within 24 hours of this notice or arrival. This can be done online or by contacting Protect NWT at 8-1-1 or 1-833-378-8297.

Anyone who has arrived from any of these communities must self-isolate where they are staying for 14 days since arrival, or until they depart the Northwest Territories.

If they are staying with others in the NWT, those they are staying with must also self-isolate – and cannot have face-to-face contact with those they are not self-isolating with.

If anyone in the household develops any symptoms of COVID-19, they must contact the local healthcare centre or public health unit to be assessed for COVID-19, and follow stricter isolation protocols, including not leaving their property, until a medical professional has provided them direction.

If Nunavut residents are traveling back to Nunavut within this period, they are able to proceed to the airport, but they must wear non-medical masks and maintain physical distancing.

Medical travelers can attend appointments

Nunavut patients traveling to the NWT for medical treatment will be able to go to their appointments, but must self-isolate when they are not at their appointments.

Safe Isolation Spaces

If you are a Nunavut resident and do not have a safe space to self-isolate, please contact Protect NWT at 8-1-1 or  to access safe isolation spaces in Yellowknife.

Returning to Nunavut

Anyone who wishes to return to Nunavut early must follow directions from public health in Nunavut.(link is external)

All requirements in public health advisory of November 16 stand

This advisory does not remove any of the requirements for travelers who arrived from Nunavut indicated in the public health advisory issued on November 16.

  • All travelers arriving from  Nunavut regardless of community, must file a Self-Isolation Plan indicating they are in the NWT and self-monitoring
  • All travelers arriving from Nunavut, regardless of community, arriving after 12pm on November 17 are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the NWT and submit a self-isolation plan.

Please see the advisory for details.

Verbal order

This Public Health Advisory serves as notice of a verbal order from Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola.

The provisions of the July 16, 2020 travel order which exempt Nunavut travellers from travel restrictions and self-isolation protocols are being revoked under (ss.1(f) and 13) of the Public Health Act.

A written amendment will be produced as soon as possible.

Attribution

All commentary is attributable to Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer.

Relevant links

Media Contact

Mike Westwick

Manager, COVID-19 Communications

Health and Social Services

COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat

Mike_Westwick@gov.nt.ca(link sends e-mail)

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