On April 6 Nunavut's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, announced the easing of public health measures across Kivalliq. It has been more than three weeks since the last case of Covid-19 was identified in Arviat, and there have been no active cases in the community since March 20.
"Based on current circumstances, it is safe to once again ease public health measures across all communities in the Kivalliq region," said Patterson.
"While some public health orders come into effect tomorrow, we ask community members to be patient as municipalities and organizations take the necessary steps to adjust and implement the new measures."
For most of the Kivalliq – aside from Arviat – the limit on indoor private gatherings has increased to 15 plus household members; indoor public gatherings, including places of worship, may allow 100 people or 75 per cent of the facility's capacity, whichever is fewer.
Public pools, rec centres, gyms, galleries, museums and libraries may open to a maximum capacity of 25 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is fewer. Group sessions are limited to 25 people.
Arenas may open to a maximum occupancy of 50 people, or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is fewer; and buildings, public playgrounds, municipal parks and territorial parks may open.
Eased Arviat measures
In Arviat, masks will remain mandatory, indoor private gatherings stay at five people, plus household members.
Effective April 7, 2021 the following eased measures in Arviat include:
- Indoor gatherings for public community spaces, including arenas and places of worship, may allow 50 people or 50 per cent of the facility's capacity, whichever is fewer.
- Outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people with physical distancing are permitted.
- Solo workouts with masks are allowed anywhere fitness sessions are held.
- Long-term care facilities, continuing care centres, boarding homes, and health centres may permit a maximum of two visitors from immediate family, per resident. Masks are mandatory for visitors and children aged two to four are encouraged to wear masks.
- Schools in Arviat will be moving to stage 2 of the 2020-21 Opening Plan for Nunavut Schools, effective April 12.