A free online self-assessment tool for Covid-19 is now available for Nunavummiut. During today’s press conference, Dr. Michael Patterson announced the tool helps to determine whether an individual should self-isolate, and contact the health centre for a follow-up or testing. It provides real-time information and recommendations based on recent travel history or self-reported symptoms.
This resource, which is available in all four official languages, may be accessed at https://nu.thrive.health/covid19/en.
This self-assessment tool has been under development by Federal Government and others in the south for some time now, informed Patterson. The delay in providing this tool earlier for Nunavummiut was due to ensuring it was working, validated, reasonably reliable and interpreted in all four official languages, he explained.
How reliable is this online self-assessment tool?
If the results of the assessment advise an individual should get tested, then the person should get tested, said Patterson, adding in this sense, the tool is reliable.
“The majority of those people will turn out not to have COVID,” said Nunavut’s top doctor. “But the idea is to capture everyone who has symptoms or travel history that's concerning for COVID, and then they're advised to get tested.”
This tool is not is a replacement for social distancing and regular handwashing, but a supplement, stressed Patterson.
Nunavummiut who may be displaying Covid-19 related symptoms, but do not have access to this online tool should contact the Covid-19 hotline at 1-888-975-8601.
A fever, cough or difficulty breathing are considered symptoms associated with the coronavirus, said the chief public health officer.
Other Updates
Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) facilities and campuses are now closed to students until the fall. Students with family have the option to remain in NAC’s family residences.
Between April 16 to April 22, 97 critical workers have entered the territory.
As of April 23, 335 individuals are self-isolating in GN designated hotels in the south.
There are still no confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
As of today, 253 people are presently under investigation, while 277 people have been cleared in Nunavut.
Dr. Patterson did not want to discuss or reveal investigation data for individual communities. He did however, mention that investigations have been performed in every community.