The Nunatsiavut Government is once again discouraging all non-essential travel to and from the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area following a recent cluster of new COVID-19 cases in the St. John’s metro area.
“It is imperative that all efforts be made to ensure the virus does not spread to our communities,” says Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe. “We are at a crossroads during this pandemic, and in order to ensure we remain safe we need to shield our communities by asking people to stay away.”
Effective immediately, all non-essential travel is being restricted for all Nunatsiavut Government employees for a two-week period. As well, Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement who are currently outside Nunatsiavut – particularly in the St. John’s area – for medical purposes, will be permitted to return to their home communities. However, while in the St. John’s area, Beneficiaries are asked to follow the modified special measures order issued Tuesday by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, as well as to take extra precautions to protect themselves from potential exposure to COVID-19. The special measures order can be found at Public Advisory: 30 New Cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador – News Releases (gov.nl.ca).
“While there is some level of hope on the horizon, we still have a way long to go before the threat of COVID-19 has passed,” notes President Lampe. “Now is not the time to be complacent. History has proven just how devastating an impact a pandemic can have on our people. We can’t take any chances.”
The Nunatsiavut Government continues to encourage residents of the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area to follow all Public Health protocols, including practicing proper hand hygiene, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing of at least two metres from those outside immediate households.
Individuals who suspect they have been exposed/infected with COVID-19, are urged to stay at home and call 811 for further instructions.