PRESS RELEASE
March 22, 2020 – Kuujjuaq, Nunavik – Makivvik has taken measures to implement a three-question screening process at Trudeau International Airport in Dorval for passengers travelling to the Nunavik region on Air Inuit or Canadian North, both airlines owned by Makivvik.
Makivvik President Charlie Watt said, “We have developed this procedure in collaboration with the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services. We know there are residents of Nunavik who were outside of the country, and are returning to the region. We want to take this extra step to prevent the coronavirus from entering the Nunavik region, and we thank everyone for their cooperation. We will continue to monitor the procedure and introduce a stricter protocol if necessary.”
Working in collaboration with the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS) a Makivvik representative, NRBHSS Nurse, and Inuk interpreter will be on hand at the airport to greet passengers before they go to the check-in counter for either airline. Screening began on March 21, 2020.
The three questions being asked to all passengers are as follows:
- Have you travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days?
- Have you been in contact with anyone in the last 14 days who was known to have COVID-19?
- Have you shown any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, coughing and shortness of breath) in the last 24 hours?
Passengers who answer Yes to the first two questions will be refused check-in and be provided assistance from the Nunavik Health Board agent on site. Passengers who answer Yes to question three will be refused check-in and not be able to travel to Nunavik until symptoms clear up.
A Makivvik representative will be at the airport for all forthcoming flights to assist passengers make lodging arrangements for a 14-day self-quarantine period at a nearby airport hotel. Makivvik will pay for the hotel with an allocation for meals for Inuit beneficiaries and seek reimbursement from the governments of Canada and Quebec at a later stage.
Furthermore. Intercommunity visits are banned to limit the spread of COVID-19. This excludes medical and cargo and people who need to fly home.
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Contact:
Carson Tagoona
Director of Communications
Makivvik
ctagoona@makivik.org
www.makivik.org
Makivvik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.