DATE ISSUED: November 17, 2020

EVENT: QIA suspends non-essential programs and implements work-from-home procedures in compliance with the Government of Nunavut’s measures to mitigate COVID-19

In our continued efforts to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our employees and communities and assist in limiting the spread of COVID-19, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is escalating our prevention and mitigation measures by suspending non-essential program delivery until further notice.

As of Wednesday November 18, QIA staff will work from home until December 2, 2020, as mandated by the Government of Nunavut to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our territory.

For the time being all non-essential programs such as the Qikiqtani Cultural Activities Program (QCAP), the Qikiqtani Skills and Training for Employment Partnership (Q-STEP), Grants and Contributions and the Ilagiiktunut Nunalinnullu Pivalliajutisait Kiinaujat, the Bereavement and Compassionate Travel programs will be suspended.

The second round of QIA’s Emergency COVID-19 initiatives will continue to provide support to Qikiqtani Inuit. QIA staff are working on processing the over 2,900 applications for the Qikiqtani Family Support Initiative and will contact successful applicants in the next few weeks. QIA’s Emergency grocery vouchers for Qikiqtani Elders is still available bi-weekly until January 19, 2021. All Qikiqtani Elders are automatically enrolled.

For further information regarding those two programs, please e-mail

covid-19@qia.ca or leave a voicemail message on 867-975-8383.

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 is advised to call the Government of Nunavut’s COVID-hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., or notify the community health centre, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days. Please do not go to the health centre in person.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, cough or difficulty breathing. The best protection from spreading or catching the virus is physical distancing, wearing a mask, handwashing for at least 20 seconds, coughing and sneezing into an elbow and staying home as much as possible. 

For more information, please contact:

Sima Sahar Zerehi,

Director of Communications,

Qikiqtani Inuit Association

szerehi@qia.ca

867.975.8413

1.800.667.2742