Employees are being urged to continue working remotely
Nunavut HR Minister Adam Lightstone revealed that he’s currently in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
"This weekend, members of my household and I received positive test results for COVID-19," Lightstone said. “I am experiencing mild symptoms and will be isolating until at least February 18. I will continue to perform my duties remotely, throughout my isolation period
The minister, who is vaccinated and already received his booster shot, stressed that his positive COVID result shows how the Omicron variant can increase the risk of infection even with best efforts.
"What we can do is ensure that we minimise as much as possible the chances of getting the virus and as important, test when developing symptoms, and carefully follow all the isolation guidelines once we receive a positive result," he stressed.
The Department of Human Resources has implemented measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace, according to Lightstone, while employees at the Government of Nunavut are also being urged to work remotely and hold meetings virtually as much as possible.
"I want to thank the amazing team at the Department of Health who have been working tirelessly to manage this outbreak," the minister said. "I would also like to express gratitude to the many people I see extending their support to fellow community members in isolation as well as those who continue to follow public health measures to help reduce the spread and keep our communities safe."
He called on those who have yet to receive the jabs to get them as soon as possible, while advising those who develop symptoms to immediately notify their community health centre by telephone.
Read more: An employer's guide to Ontario's reopening plan
Nunavut workplaces are scheduled to reopen this month, with Lightstone even reassuring employees that they are safe to reopen again.
"By using the latest information from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer, the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC), and industry best practices, GN departments will be well equipped to manage the risk of COVID-19 infection," he said in a statement.
In Nunavut, employers are obligated to ensure that workplaces are healthy and safe by having an Exposure Control Plan, according to the WSCC.
The plan seeks to prepare workplaces for the risks brought about by communicable disease, including COVID-19. While it won't need the approval of the commission, employers are asked to prepare the plan in case inspectors need them to present it.
