How Red Cross is responding to COVID-19 in Nunavut

The Canadian Red Cross has been requested by the Government of Nunavut, the territorial Department of Health, the federal government and the City of Iqaluit to provide support for the COVID-19 response for Nunavut in a variety of ways.

In May 2021, the Canadian Red Cross deployed a team of four to support the City of Iqaluit and the Government of Nunavut by providing epidemic prevention and control assessments and advice to 13 facilities in Iqaluit, that were identified by City officials. The team also provided support to the staff of a homeless shelter. The team was in Iqaluit for two weeks.

In response to a COVID-19 variant outbreak at the Mary River Mine on Baffin Island, the federal and territorial governments requested the Canadian Red Cross provide contact tracing support in June 2021. The contact tracing focussed on contacting mine employees who were no longer at the mine site. The team provided the support for nearly two weeks until it was no longer required.

Two Epidemic Prevention and Control personnel were deployed to Arviat, Nunavut and provided support from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, 2020. The team assessed numerous locations in the community and provided recommendations to help reduce COVID transmission. The team also provided prevention information and training.

In December 2020, a Canadian Red Cross COVID Testing Assistance Response Team provided support at two Government of Nunavut isolation sites in Winnipeg, where travellers from the territory were required to isolate before returning home. The team offered COVID-19 testing for the travellers.

The Canadian Red Cross is prepared to support the Government of Nunavut in the future, if needed.

Additional Resources:

How you can help
The Canadian Red Cross is prepared and ready to support Canadians now during the COVID-19 pandemic and into the spring and summer as we anticipate floods, wildfires and other disasters that will affect families and communities. The best way you can support our work is with a donation now to the Canadian Emergencies & COVID-19 Response Fund.