Due to the increased risks the Omicron variant of Covid-19 poses to Nunavut, people who have their proof of vaccination but have not gotten the third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine are being asked to isolate once returning to the territory. Those who have received their booster shot can skip isolation.
The Government of Nunavut made this announcement at a Covid-19 update Dec. 21 at the Legislative Assembly.
SA国际影视传媒淔or the first 14 days after returning, (people should) stay home or stay out of other peoples houses or other buildings and not have people over at their own house,SA国际影视传媒� explained Dr. Patterson, NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 chief public health officer, however, residents may go out once a week to go get groceries and other essentials.
One issue with the Omicron variant is that it is indistinguishable from the common cold, said Patterson. As a result people are recommended to call the Covid-19 hotline (1-888-975-8601) when symptoms similar to a cold present themselves.
Those who received their booster shot are 75 to 80 per cent less likely to face hospitalization or severe symptoms due to Omicron, he adds.
A booster shot works as a top-up for the bodySA国际影视传媒檚 immune system, to better train it to recognize and fight Covid-19.
As an extra precaution against the emergence of the Omicron variant there are additional territory-wide public health measures.
SA国际影视传媒淚n light of quickly changing information about the Omicron variant, we have had to make difficult decisions. We have rescinded the recent order to allow communities some larger gatherings over the holidays,SA国际影视传媒� said Patterson.
Communities planning to hold events during the holidays must adhere to the current public gathering limits which is 50 per cent capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 a strong possibility we will have to cease travel in and out of a community should we identify a positive case of Covid-19 SA国际影视传媒� this is necessary to ensure quick containment of Omicron infections,SA国际影视传媒� he adds.
Travelling to other communities is also not recommended to prevent the risk of Omicron spreading.
The Omicron variant presents SA国际影视传媒渟imply too many unknowns and too many risks which may jeopardize Nunavummiut,SA国际影视传媒� said Patterson.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok said while many wanted a more normal Christmas this year this is not the time to have one.
SA国际影视传媒淚t is not time to let our guard down, we are seeing mounting cases of Omicron across the country and the statistics are alarming,SA国际影视传媒� said Akeeagok. SA国际影视传媒淭he best gift we can give is our familySA国际影视传媒檚 good health.SA国际影视传媒�
Healthcare system stretched during holidays
Health minister John Main also noted the territory is facing staffing shortages due to people travelling down south for Christmas.
SA国际影视传媒淥ur healthcare system is stretched, itSA国际影视传媒檚 extra thin across Nunavut in the short-term. Our staffing resources are limited. Although we have been working hard to recruit and retain the health professionals needed across the territory, service reductions will be felt in many communities over the holidays,SA国际影视传媒� said Main.
Among these temporary service reductions include reduced access to vaccinations. These include vaccines for Covid-19 and the flu. He noted Nunavut isnSA国际影视传媒檛 the only jurisdiction facing healthcare staff shortages.
SA国际影视传媒淥ur challenges are related to a national trend in health staffing, where the pandemic has negatively impacted the workforce in many ways,SA国际影视传媒� said Main.
In some communities, health centres are expected to be emergency only for the holidays.
The Government of Nunavut is also looking to get a supply of antigen tests which individuals can use once returning to Nunavut. This however will not be a substitute for self-isolation, says Dr. Patterson.
SA国际影视传媒淓vidence says Omicron can spread very quickly, even among those who had two doses of vaccine,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
Patterson added we should be expect to see more cases of Covid-19 in Nunavut once people start arriving back from the holidays.
