Public Health Restrictions eased in 15 communities

Press Release

Iqaluit, Nunavut (February 15, 2022) – Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer is announcing the easing of public health restrictions in some communities across Nunavut, effective Monday February 21, 2022.

“Some communities have seen an improvement in the number of COVID-19 cases and it is safe to ease restrictions,” said Dr. Patterson. “There are still some communities that need more time to contain their outbreaks and there will be no changes to public health measures in those communities at this time.”

Masks remain mandatory in all communities and non-essential travel continues to be discouraged. As of Monday, February 21, public health measures in Arviat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Clyde River, Gjoa Haven, Grise Fjord, Kimmirut, Kinngait, Kugluktuk, Naujaat, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, Sanirajak, and Whale Cove will be as follows:

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 50 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.
Swimming pools may open at 25 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less.
Libraries, museums, and galleries capacity increases to 25 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less. No group tours.
Arena capacity may increase to 50 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less, as well as a maximum of 50 spectators.
Places of worship are limited to 50 people or 25 per cent capacity, no singing.
Long-term care facilities may allow two visitors per resident from their immediate family.

As of Monday, February 21, public health measures in Igloolik will be as follow:

Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.
Indoor gatherings in dwellings are restricted to 5 people, plus household members.
Indoor public gatherings, including community halls and recreation centres, galleries are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity.
Schools and daycares may open.
Places of worship are limited to 50 people or 25 per cent capacity, no singing.
Arenas are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is less, as well as a maximum of 25 spectators. No team sports.
All non-essential businesses except personal services may open.
Group counselling sessions are limited to 10 people.
Taxis may have one fare per trip, masks mandatory
Parks and playgrounds may open, but buildings remain closed.

Public health measures remain the same in Arctic Bay, Cambridge Bay, Coral Harbour, Iqaluit, Kugaaruk, Pangnirtung, Rankin Inlet, Resolute, Sanikiluaq, and Taloyoak. For more information go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path.

Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Dr. Patterson and Minister Main will hold a live COVID-19 update on February 15 at 11 a.m. EST. The press conference will be live via CBC.CA/north, https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1996654147625, and streaming on CBC Nunavut Facebook and Government of Nunavut Facebook pages.

Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms – runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever or difficulty breathing – should call the COVID hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT. There are longer wait times to get through to the hotline, so please remain patient. Please do not call or go to the health centre unless it is an emergency.

For all the latest information and guidelines on COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca.

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Media Contact:

Chris Puglia
A/Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
cpuglia@gov.nu.ca

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