Nunatsiavut Government: Beneficiaries urged to continue wearing masks

Press Release

The Nunatsiavut Government is urging Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement to remain vigilant and to continue wearing non-surgical face masks in settings where there are potential threats of viral transmission from one person to another.

As of tomorrow, the wearing of face masks will no longer be mandatory in most indoor public spaces, such as restaurants, stores, gyms, personal services and performance venues. Masks will still be mandatory inside congregate living facilities for seniors and within regional health authority facilities.

While wearing masks will no longer be required in all Nunatsiavut Government offices and buildings, for both staff and visitors, their use is still being encouraged.

“It has been proven that masks are one of the best layers of protection against the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne viral infections,” notes Health and Social Development Minister Gerald Asivak. “While vaccines appear to be working in reducing the transmission of COVID-19, those who have not been fully vaccinated are still at risk. Wearing a mask will help lessen that risk.”

The Minister is urging Beneficiaries to continue wearing masks in public and enclosed spaces when physical distancing cannot be maintained. COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant are increasing in other areas of Canada, and other respiratory viruses are expected to cause increased illness in the fall. Public Health officials with the Department of Health and Social Development are monitoring the situation closely and are recommending caution.

“Be mindful of the number of people in a particular setting, the vaccination status of those around you, as well as whether or not there are those whose immune systems are compromised because of other underlying conditions,” says Minister Asivak. “While the mask requirements may be lifted, it’s still okay to wear a mask to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.”

Media Contact:

Bert Pomeroy

Director of Communications

(709) 896-8582

IHT5