Nunatsiavut Government maintains position on essential travel to Labrador Inuit communities

Press Release

April 1, 2020

In an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, the Nunatsiavut Government is continuing to ask people to self-isolate for at least 14 days before travelling from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area.

Recognizing that essential travel is still required, the following is being recommended:

1. Health care workers

1. Those travelling from within Newfoundland and Labrador providing services in Labrador Inuit communities are asked to self-monitor for 14 days (including having temperatures checked daily) upon arrival in all communities.
2. Those travelling from outside of the province are required to self-isolate for 14 days. The Nunatsiavut Government is asking individuals to self-isolate in Happy Valley-Goose Bay before travelling to any Labrador Inuit community. Upon arrival in a community, they must self-monitor for an additional 14 days.

2. Other essential workers (including technicians for essential services such as hydro or telecommunications, etc.)

1. Those travelling from within Newfoundland and Labrador should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days and to avoid interacting with others in the community when they arrive.
2. Those travelling from outside of the province are required to self-isolate for 14 days. The Nunatsiavut Government is asking individuals to self-isolate in Happy Valley-Goose Bay before travelling to any Labrador Inuit community. Upon arrival in a community, they must self-monitor for an additional 14 days.

3. Medical patients requiring travel from Nunatsiavut to the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for appointments

1. Travelers returning home the same day do not need to self-isolate, provided they have no respiratory illnesses.
2. Those who must stay in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for two or more days who have no respiratory illnesses should self-isolate during their stay in the community and practice social-distancing when attending medical appointments. Upon returning to their home community they must self-monitor for 14 days and report any symptoms to 811.
3. Those who develop respiratory symptoms while in Happy Valley-Goose Bay attending appointments are asked to call 811 and follow instructions.

4. Medical patients who are admitted and discharged from hospital

1. Patients discharged from hospitals within the province can travel directly home to Nunatsiavut. Upon arrival at home they are asked to self-monitor for 14 days and report any symptoms by calling 811 and following instructions.
2. Patients discharged from hospitals outside of the province are required to self-isolate at point of entry or in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for 14 days before travelling to any community. Upon arrival in the community, they must self-monitor for an additional 14 days.

5. Medical patients (and escorts) requiring travel for appointments at facilities other than the Labrador Health Centre (for travel to Labrador Health Centre refer to bullet #3)

1. Those travelling to appointments within the province who have no respiratory illnesses should self-isolate during their stay outside of Nunatsiavut and practice social distancing when attending medical appointments. Upon return to their home community they must self-monitor for 14 days (including having temperatures checked daily).
2. Those travelling to appointments outside the province who have no respiratory illnesses are required to self-isolate upon at point of entry into the province or in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for 14 days before returning to Nunatsiavut. Upon arrival in community, they must self-monitor for an additional 14 days.
3. Those who develop respiratory symptoms while attending appointments are asked to call 811 and follow instructions.

6. Individuals whose travel costs are covered by the Nunatsiavut Government, including students and staff, should self-isolate at point of entry into the province or in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for 14 days before returning home to Nunatsiavut. Accommodations and meals will be arranged by the Nunatsiavut Government for these individuals who are self-isolating.

Self-monitor means:

• Monitoring for symptoms (muscle aches and pains, fever, cough, difficulty breathing) for 14 days.
• Staying at home except for essentials.
• Avoiding crowded places.
• Increasing personal space and maintaining social distancing.
• Immediately self-isolating if symptoms appear.

Self-isolate means:

• Staying at home and not going to work or school for 14 days.
• Avoiding close contact with people with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults.
• Avoiding contact with others in your home.
• Staying in a separate room away from other people.
• Using a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Keeping a distance of at least two arm’s length from other people.
• Not sharing dishes, glasses, or utensils.
• Calling 811 at the first sign of any respiratory symptoms.

Media Contact:

Bert Pomeroy

Director of Communications

(709) 896-8582

(709)899-0004

IHT5