PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: QIA suspends the Compassionate Bereavement program in light of COVID-19
DATE ISSUED: March 19, 2020
EVENT: QIA suspends the Compassionate Bereavement program in light of COVID-19
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is suspending the Compassionate Bereavement program until further notice. This decision was made in response to instructions from public health authorities to stop all non-essential travel in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout Nunavut.
QIA staff are working with families currently travelling under our Compassionate Bereavement program to ensure that they are supported. If appropriate QIA will assist Inuit to get back home in the safest possible manner.
Anyone returning to Nunavut is asked by public health authorities to self-isolate for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 such as a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
Family members and those living with people who are self-isolating, but did not travel themselves should self-monitor, limit non-essential outings and practice social distancing. This means staying at least two metres apart from others, avoiding physical contact and washing hands often.
To date, there are no positive cases of COVID-19 in the territory, however Nunavut’s health authorities have warned that if the virus reaches our territory it may have drastic impacts on our population and put tremendous strain on a healthcare system that is already under resourced.
Limiting travel will go a long way to help save Inuit lives and protect Qikiqtani communities.
As conditions are changing rapidly, QIA will be revisiting and reassessing decisions regarding our operations and program delivery regularly to best meet the needs of Qikiqtani Inuit.
For more information, please contact:
Sima Sahar Zerehi,
Director of Communications,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
867.975.8413
1.800.667.2742
