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Dr. Patterson asks for patience as staff process travel and hotel requests

Dr. Michael Patterson explains returning Nunavut residents will have to complete and submit a registration form to CPHOTravelRequests@gov.nu.ca. Rajnesh Sharma/NNSL photo

With Nunavut’s newest travel restrictions, many Nunavummiut are concerned about how and when they will get home.

It is now mandatory for Nunavut residents to undergo and clear a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period in Yellowknife, Edmonton, Winnipeg or Ottawa before arriving into the territory.

“The goal of this work is to bring Nunavummiut home in a fashion that allows them to do it without introducing COVID-19 to their community or their loved one,” said Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Michael Patterson.

Nunavut residents, who want to enter the territory, are asked to email CPHOTravelRequests@gov.nu.ca for direction about self-isolation and travel arrangements.

During today’s press conference, Patterson explained returning Nunavut residents will have to complete and submit a registration form to CPHOTravelRequests@gov.nu.ca.

The chief public health officer assured that five or six staff are working through the emails as fast as possible. They are making arrangements for people to get to the isolation sites.

“I know it is an inconvenience but we would ask Nunavummiut to be patient with them,” said Patterson, adding their goal is to respond within 24 hours of receiving the email.

There are hotels in all four cities, where residents of Nunavut will be able to self-isolate for two weeks. Patterson did not specify the names of the hotels, but did mention people should not show up at the hotels unannounced.

Nunavut’s top doctor also apologized to Nunavummiut, who are having difficulties with returning home.

Other Updates
There are still no cases of COVID-19 in the territory. Presently, 166 people have been tested for COVID-19. 116 people are in self-isolation, while 50 have been cleared.

Payments to government vendors are now being paid immediately. The normal 20-30 day payment terms have been waived.

Premier Joe Savikataaq announced that Nunavut will receive about $22.5 million of the $45 million being given to Inuit to deal with COVID-19. The Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) still has to determine exactly how the money will be distributed within the territory. Rajnesh Sharma/NNSL photo