Nunavut Travel Bubble To Be Suspended

Press Release

Travelers from COVID-19-affected communities in Nunavut must self-isolate immediately; all travelers from Nunavut already in NWT must self-monitor; all travellers from Nunavut required to self-isolate on arrival beginning tomorrow

YELLOWKNIFE 16 November 2020 – In light of rapid changes to COVID-19 activity in Nunavut, there are immediate changes to the Northwest Territories travel bubble with Nunavut. The Chief Public Health Officer has issued a verbal order pursuant to s.29 of the Public Health Act.

Nunavut Travel Bubble to be Suspended

Until further notice, Nunavut travelers are now subject to the same self-isolation protocols and travel restrictions as anyone else travelling within the Northwest Territories as required under the territory’s public health order on travel: “COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Self-Isolation Protocol as amended July 16, 2020.”

Those who are coming to the Northwest Territories from Nunavut to live, work, study, or under compassionate or family reunification exemptions, which have been approved by the Chief Public Health Officer where necessary, may travel within the Northwest Territories.

Beginning on November 17, 2020 at 12pm all travellers arriving in the Northwest Territories from Nunavut will now need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the Northwest Territories, unless otherwise exempted under the July 16, 2020 Travel Order.

Nunavut patients traveling within the Northwest Territories for medical treatment will be able to travel to the Northwest Territories for that purpose, but must self-isolate when they are not attending their medical appointments.

All Arviat, Rankin Inlet, and Sanikiluaq Travelers Already in the Territory Must Self-Isolate Immediately

Anyone who is currently within the Northwest Territories and has traveled from Arviat, Rankin Inlet, or Sanikiluaq within the last 14 days must self-isolate immediately for 14 days from the date of their arrival in the Northwest Territories, contact Yellowknife public health at 867-767-9120, and submit a self-isolation plan to Protect NWT by 4pm MST on Tuesday November 17, 2020.

This can be done online or by contacting Protect NWT at 8-1-1 or 1-833-378-8297.

If travelers intend to leave the Northwest Territories by airplane within the self-isolation period, they are able to proceed to the airport to do so, but they must wear non-medical masks and maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from others.

Persons who have shared accommodations with persons who have traveled from Arviat, Rankin Inlet, and Sanikiluaq within the last 14 days must also self-isolate and submit a self-isolation plan to Protect NWT by 4pm MST on Tuesday November 17, 2020.  This can be done online or by contacting Protect NWT at 8-1-1 or 1-833-378-8297.

The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer will provide further guidance if any other communities in Nunavut develop community transmission of COVID-19.

Any Traveler Who Has Already Arrived From Nunavut in Last 14 Days Must Submit a Self-Isolation Plan, Self-Monitor

Anyone who has traveled from Nunavut in the last 14 days, regardless of community, must:

  • Self-monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days.
  • Contact Protect NWT at 8-1-1 or 1-833-378-8297.
  • Wear non-medical masks whenever in public places.

If anyone travelling to the Northwest Territories from Nunavut or anyone who has shared or  is sharing accommodations with someone travelling from Nunavut develops symptoms of COVID-19, they should immediately isolate, contact the local health centre or public health unit to be assessed for COVID-19, and stay in isolation until otherwise directed by a health care professional.

Exempted worker requirements remain the same

Requirements for supply-chain workers, essential workers, airline crews and employees, remote camp workers working at NWT mines, and non-remote camp workers working on NWT projects have not changed.

Continue to follow all guidance from your employer.

Safe Isolation Spaces
If you have travelled from Nunavut and do not have a safe space to self-isolate, please contact Protect NWT at 8-1-1 or 1-833-378-8297 to access safe isolation spaces in Yellowknife.

The GNWT will provide spaces for Nunavut residents at no upfront charge in isolation centres in the territory until such time that Nunavut is able to re-establish their own isolation centre in Yellowknife.

Payment for Nunavut residents will be covered by the Government of Nunavut.

July 16, 2020 Travel Order

The provisions of the July 16, 2020 Travel Order which exempt Nunavut travellers from travel restrictions and self-isolation protocols are revoked.

Best Wishes

We would like to send our best to our friends in Nunavut as they work tirelessly to contain the situation in the territory.

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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