Quarantine for travellers takes effect in Nunavik
New measure is aimed at preventing COVID-19 Omicron variant from entering the region
Nunavik’s health board has introduced a 10-day quarantine for travelers from the south with the goal of preventing the COVID-19 omicron variant from spreading in the region. (File photo)
Travellers from the south who are bound for Nunavik are now required to undergo a 10-day quarantine if they have not received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The new measures took effect on Sunday, and the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services says the goal is to prevent the new Omicron variant from spreading in the region.
“This new variant is significantly more contagious than Delta variant, which ended up infecting more than 1,000 Nunavimmiut in the past two months,” the board said in a Facebook post.
Travellers may undergo their quarantines in the south before their departure, in Nunavik upon their arrival, or a combination of both. Travellers are required to present a negative test before their departure, take a test on their fifth day of quarantine, and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
While quarantining, travellers are not allowed to visit places or welcome visitors; however, they are allowed to go outside alone or with people they are quarantining with, and they are allowed to receive food and medication deliveries.
Travellers entering the region more than 14 days after receiving a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are not required to quarantine. The health board is still encouraging them to self-monitor for symptoms, wear masks and avoid gatherings.
All travellers are required to fill in the Nunavik Territory Access Authorization questionnaire, which is available on the health board’s website.
Heading into this past weekend, Nunavik had 11 active cases across the region as of Friday, the board’s most recent update. The only new case last Friday was a traveller who tested positive while quarantining in Kangiqsualujjuaq.
A good plan, well done although 2 issues need addressing. The first being is that after one tests in MTL you need to start isolating, no shopping, visiting ect then right to the airport for your flight after you receive a negative test. Second is there should be calls to peoples residences for follow up upon return to their respective village, those without phones get a visit from a health board employee to ensure compliance . Might be a bit restrictive although the virus does not care who it infects.
Quick thinking Nunavut. I hope Nunavut do something like that soon because our kids and even 2 dozer’s haven’t received third yet . Move soon PJ or it will be everywhere thanks