Baker Lake has joined Arviat and Rankin Inlet in implementing a municipal vaccine passport.

SA国际影视传媒淐ouncil felt it might be important to put in place that only vaccinated people can enter into public municipal places such as our arena and community centre,SA国际影视传媒� said Sheldon Dorey, senior administrative officer with the hamlet.

Once passed, the bylaw went into immediate effect on Jan. 20, and it was posted to the hamletSA国际影视传媒檚 social media on Jan. 27.

It stipulates that everyone five and older must show proof of vaccination SA国际影视传媒� meaning two doses from a Covid-19 vaccine SA国际影视传媒� to enter publicly accessible municipal buildings, including all events inside them, from bingo to sports, feasts, games and public meetings.

Unvaccinated people will be permitted to enter the municipal office for the purpose of making a payment, applying for a permit or receiving another program or service. Penalties include a minimum of $250 for the first offence, up to $750 for the second and up to $2,250 for each subsequent offence.

The bylaw will be in force until it is repealed or the Government of Nunavut ends the Covid-19 state of emergency.

Dorey noted that although the GN has relaxed some restrictions, the hamlet is still managing an outbreak and hasnSA国际影视传媒檛 opened its recreational facility yet. He said staff are working on how to open back up safely, adhere to capacity limits and police the vaccination requirements.

Asked why the hamlet decided to implement this bylaw, Dorey replied, SA国际影视传媒淓very day we hear on the news and we see in print that our Government of Nunavut is promoting vaccinations. So this is the council of Baker LakeSA国际影视传媒檚 idea to try and enhance what the Government of Nunavut is saying.SA国际影视传媒�

He said itSA国际影视传媒檚 an attempt to increase vaccine uptake and stop the spread of Covid-19.

SA国际影视传媒淚f everyone took the needle to start with, according to what theySA国际影视传媒檙e saying, the spread wouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 happen,SA国际影视传媒� said Dorey, noting heSA国际影视传媒檚 not a doctor.

He added that the council is trying to be proactive and do what the members feel is correct, and itSA国际影视传媒檚 in line with other proof-of-vaccination requirements in the country, such as those to board a plane.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 better to try something than to sit on your hands and do nothing,SA国际影视传媒� said Dorey.

Requests for medical or human rights exemptions to the requirement must be made in writing to the senior administrative officer.

Mayor Richard Aksawnee did not respond to interview requests from Kivalliq News.