Effective immediately, confirmatory testing for Covid-19 will now only be done to validate that Covid-19 is present in communities reporting a first case and in higher-risk settings, such as Elders homes, and other congregated facilities, such as critical service areas, NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 Health Minister announced Thursday morning.

SA国际影视传媒淎s Covid-19 cases rise across Nunavut, we must make necessary changes to protect the continuity of health services across the territory,SA国际影视传媒� said John Main.

With the return of holiday travellers from the south, Main fully expects Covid-19 will be in SA国际影视传媒渁ll our communitiesSA国际影视传媒� over the next month.

SA国际影视传媒淲ith that in mind, and recognizing there is a staffing shortage, we must manage our resources to balance Covid-19 response with NunavummiutSA国际影视传媒檚 access to other essential health-care services,SA国际影视传媒� said the minister.

Once Covid-19 is in a home SA国际影视传媒� determined by the appearance of symptoms SA国际影视传媒� all members of the household with symptoms will be assumed to be Covid-19 positive and testing will not be required, although rapid tests may be an option. In these cases, a household will be cleared of active Covid-19 and eligible to come out of isolation once everyone in the home has been asymptomatic for two to three days.

This will mean official Covid-19 case counts in Nunavut will no longer reflect the total number of those with active Covid-19 infections, said NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson.

SA国际影视传媒淭his necessary change will reduce the risk that our health system will be overwhelmed, which will put Nunavummiut with other health conditions at risk. We have seen how fast Omicron spreads and it is essential that all Nunavummiut follow public health measures and isolate when told to. It is everyoneSA国际影视传媒檚 responsibility to protect our communities,SA国际影视传媒� said Patterson.

In addition, those with Covid-19 symptoms are asked not to call or go to the health centre unless symptoms are severe, or it is an emergency. This will reduce the risk of health staff getting Covid-19.

Anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms SA国际影视传媒� runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing SA国际影视传媒� should call the Covid hotline at 1-888-975-8601. Vaccines are still available for Nunavummiut ages five and older.