Radio script – April 30, 2020: QIA providing support to Pond Inlet in face of first confirmed case of COVID-19

Hi all,

I am your Community Director/Community Liaison Officer for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

I want to share some important news. As you may have heard the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Pond Inlet.

There is no need to panic, as supports are in place.

Nunavut’s Department of Health Services has dispatched a rapid response team to Pond Inlet.

The Government of Nunavut team has launched a public health investigation to help those affected and to protect the community.

QIA is working with the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and our contacts at Arctic Co-op.

We want to make sure the family receives delivery of necessary cleaning supplies, groceries, and other social supports needed to self-isolate.

QIA is also providing support to the community.

We are staying in constant communication with the Government of Nunavut and the Chief Public Health Officer about developments about this case.

The QIA team will also be staying in regular communication with the Mayor and Hamlet of Pond Inlet, and the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization.

We want to make sure that the community is receiving support.

QIA is encouraging the Government of Canada to work with the Government of Nunavut.

We want the federal and territorial governments to provide immediate access to basic services for Pond Inlet.

Including access to water.

Access to clean water is essential to keeping the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

QIA’s Emergency COVID-19 programs will continue to provide support to Pond Inlet and all other Qikiqtani communities.

Qikiqtani Inuit can apply for our Emergency Harvester Initiative to social distance on-the-land.

Inuit can also apply for the Elders Grocery Voucher to gain access to household necessities.

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.

You can call between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

You can also notify the community health centre by calling them.

Please do not go to the health centre in person.

If you have any symptoms, please immediately isolate at home for 14 days.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• A fever,
• Cough or difficulty breathing

PLEASE REMEMBER . . . to minimize the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often
• cough and sneezing into your elbow
• Practice social distancing
• Stay at home as much as possible
• Disinfect all surfaces with bleach

Please be kind.

This is no time for blame or shame.

We are stronger together:

• Share love
• Protect the vulnerable
• Support your community

If you can check-up on Elders or vulnerable friends or family members who may need help.

Call them, leave country food and supplies for them at the door, but DO NOT VISIT.

We are all in this together and united we can protect our communities.

Please visit our website at qia.ca for more information and daily updates.

You can also get the latest news and updates from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Thank you very much for your time. Have a good day and stay safe.