NU Government: Minister of Health declares Public Health Emergency

Press Release

IQALUIT, Nunavut (March 18, 2020) – Nunavut’s Minister of Health George Hickes has declared a public health emergency in the territory.

“While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut, declaring a public health emergency allows to be coordinated with efforts across the territories and Canada, and take the measures necessary to keep us prepared for the virus,” said Minister Hickes. “If we don’t take this measure now before we see cases in Nunavut, it may be too late as time goes on.”

Effective Friday, March 20 and until further notice:

• Restaurants will be take-out only, with no more than 10 people in a line-up at any time.
• All bars will close.
• Taxis are limited to one pick-up per fare.
• Food centres and soup kitchens across the territory can remain open for five days to lessen impacts to food security. They will be provided with take-out containers to be able to prepare meals for take away.

“We need to everyone to work together, and practice social distancing to reduce the spread. It is critical that we do this to protect one another. Stay home as much as possible. Wash your hands often. Let’s flatten the curve in Nunavut, and be patient and kind, and take care of each other.”

For more information on COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: www.gov.nu.ca

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Media Contact:

Cate Macleod
Press Secretary to Premier Savikataaq
867-975-5059/ 867-222-5763
cmacleod@gov.nu.ca

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