GN: COVID-19 Department of Health Services update

Press Release

23 February 2022

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

IHT5