Today the Government of Nunavut (GN) released some figures that reveal the costs of self-isolation for Nunavummiut down south amid Covid-19. Since March 25, Nunavut’s residents, including students and medical travellers, have been required to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period in a GN designated hotel before entering the territory. These hotels are situated in Yellowknife, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Ottawa.
Estimated costs indicate $115 per room per day, $75 for three meals per day and $112 for daily security service. During a two week period, for each individual, $80 is being spent on laundry service and $20 for a shuttle bus service.
Therefore, the cost is approximately $4,328 per individual for 14-days of self-isolation.
As of April 14, the GN has already spent $1,904,320 to self-isolate 440 individuals down south.
On April 14, Premier Joe Savikataaq had announced 230 Nunavummiut have returned to the territory since April 10; the first day of self-isolated residents returning home.
The latest information from the GN indicates that 302 Nunavummiut were self-isolating down south as of April 8.
Since April 7, the Department of Education has requested all teachers returning to the territory must also adhere to the 14-day self-isolation down south before entering the territory. There are presently, 93 Nunavut teachers down south.
On Tuesday, Health Minister George Hickes revealed, 24 or 25 teachers have either started their isolation or have registered in hotels down south.