Arctic Winter Games measles isolation protocol in place
Participants warned to bring vaccination records, could face 21-day isolation if exposure occurs at events
Tanisha Tanuyak and members of Nunavut’s under-18 futsal team celebrate after winning the bronze medal at the Arctic Winter Games in Palmer, Alaska, in March 2024. This year’s Games in Whitehorse will be broadcasted on CBC Gem and the Arctic Winter Games official website. (Photo by Dustin Patar, special to Nunatsiaq News)
Arctic Winter Games participants who can’t provide proof of vaccination against measles should be ready to isolate for as long as 21 days if there is exposure to the disease at the event, says Nunavut’s Department of Health.
The winter games are scheduled for Whitehorse from March 8 to 15. Athletes, coaches, spectators and volunteers from across the circumpolar Arctic will be descending on Yukon’s capital city to compete in various sporting events including archery, hockey, snowboarding and table tennis.
The department released a public service announcement about the measles protocol on Friday.
“That’s all happening,” said Todd Janes, the Nunavut Soccer Association executive director, in a phone interview.
His four futsal teams, which include under-16 boys and girls and under-18 boys and girls, are fielding the territory’s largest contingent at the Games with 36 athletes and eight coaches preparing to attend.
The coaches are being supported by the Government of Nunavut as they check over their athletes’ records, Janes said.
“Measles is a highly contagious and serious illness,” said the announcement from the Nunavut government.
The disease is one of the most contagious of all known infections, according to the territorial Department of Health, characterized by a high fever, cough and a rash.
Vaccination is considered to be nearly 100 per cent effective at preventing sickness. Because of that, measles was considered to be eliminated in Canada since 1998, according to Immunization Canada. Lower immunization rates caused the country to lose that status in November.
There were 5,425 measles cases reported last year across Canada, and 32 cases reported for the week of Dec. 28 to Jan. 3, according to the Canadian government’s public health website.
There were two deaths from measles last year, one in Ontario and the other in Alberta. Both deaths were the result of babies born preterm with the disease.
There are currently no measles cases detected in Yukon or Nunavut.
Arctic Winter Games participants who are unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to contact their local health centre or public health unit to request a copy of their immunization records, the GN’s public service announcement said.
“The Arctic Winter Games are not requiring participants to be vaccinated in order to attend and/or participate,” said Games spokesperson Paolo Gallina, in an email.
The isolation protocol is put in place by Yukon’s chief medical health officer. Participants will only be asked for proof of vaccination if they are exposed to measles, Gallina said.
This approach mirrors the protocols in place during the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, N.L.
Team Nunavut plans to release its full roster of teams, players and coaches by mid-February.
Every year it feels like we are becoming more and more like 1940 Nazi Germany.
“Show me your papers”
I am not against vaccines but we deserve a level of privacy from our government.
This is definitely government over reach in my opinion and we are losing priacy and freedoms.
Just a matter of time before people start getting denied boarding for not showing vaccination records to airline agents.
Delusional BS
Here we go again being forced to get the vaccination like Covid if you don’t provide proof of vaccination u can’t travel now it is it you can’t provide proof of vaccinations you will need to isolate for 21 like come on man
Clearly you struggle with reading comprehension, they specifically stated they do NOT require any athletes to be vaccinated.
There’s a reason why Canada eliminated measles in the first place, we had a decent public health system and general public awareness, but now it’s people like you with very limited understanding of how healthcare works, that have reintroduced measles and degrade the trust in proven measures against the disease.
For you to just say “come on man”, shows how you disregard other peoples lives for your convenience, you should be ashamed of yourself.
First of all, measles was once completely eradicated. Because the vaccine works! Now people are choosing not to vaccine and what happens? We have measles outbreaks! We are going backwards. Why would anyone want (especially their child) to contract measles which could be deadly especially if there are other underlying medical conditions. If everyone was still getting vaccinated this would not even be an issue. The people choosing not to vaccinate are creating the problem! I hope it’s not your child who gets gravely ill with a disease that is easily prevented.