Nunatsiavut Government – Statement: President offers thanks to those involved in rolling out COVID-19 vaccine

Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe today issued the following statement to acknowledge and thank those who were instrumental in rolling out the first round of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to all Labrador Inuit communities over the past week:

These are unprecedented and historic times, as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. For nearly a year we’ve been living in a world of uncertainty, and while we still have some time to go before we are out of the woods, there is light at the end of the dark tunnel.

The arrival of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to our communities last week, in many ways, represents a new era of hope. There were so many people involved in distributing the vaccine to our communities that deserve to be recognized.

On behalf of the Nunatsiavut Government, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of the front-line workers – the Public Health nurses and staff from both the Nunatsiavut Department of Health and Social Development and Labrador -Grenfell Health. You have all done an amazing job. Your professionalism, your compassion and your determination to make a difference in the lives of Labrador Inuit have certainly not gone unnoticed.

Special thanks the Canadian Rangers who provided assistance to front line workers in Nain. To Air Borealis, which went above and beyond to ensure the vaccine was delivered to our communities in a timely and efficient manner, we extend our deepest gratitude. Last, but certainly by far least, thank you to all residents of Nunatsiavut for your co-operation and understanding.

While it is not mandatory for people to receive the vaccine, I strongly urge all residents of Nunatsiavut to do so. Getting the vaccine not only protects you, but your family, friends and community. Even if you get the vaccine, you should continue to follow all public health protocols, including practicing good hand hygiene, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing of at least two metres from those outside your immediate households.

As was clearly demonstrated this past week, by working with community members and partners, we can overcome much adversity. We will get through this together.

NT5