The Nunatsiavut Government wishes to advise that, effective Monday, June 8, it will relax its position on non-essential travel to the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area from anywhere within Newfoundland and Labrador. However, those who have been directed to self-isolate or self-monitor for symptoms of the coronavirus COVID-19 are still being asked to not enter the region.
Those travelling from outside of the province are still being asked to self-isolate for 14 days before entering the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area.
“The status of travel within Nunatsiavut and the rest of the province can change at any time,” notes First Minister Tyler Edmunds. “We have to be prepared to respond and adapt accordingly to changes as they arise. We have been advised by provincial health officials that the risk of COVID-19 is currently low, but that the situation could change quickly. In light of the current situation, we are comfortable with travel to and from any of our communities by individuals within Newfoundland and Labrador.”
By easing its position, the Nunatsiavut Government is hopeful projects and developments, such as Vale’s Voisey’s Bay mine, can begin ramping up operations – providing much-needed employment for Labrador Inuit.
“We have been in discussions with Vale and are confident that all efforts will be made to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19 for workers at the mine site,” adds First Minister Edmunds. “In consultation with health officials, the Nunatsiavut Government is comfortable with workers from our communities traveling to and from Voisey’s Bay.”
On June 3, the Nunatsiavut Government gave notice that it would no longer be requesting people to not travel between Labrador Inuit communities, unless they have been directed to self-isolate or to self-monitor for symptoms COVID-19.
The Nunatsiavut Government continues to remind all travelers to practice generally-accepted public health protocols to help prevent potential exposure and spread of COVID-19.
