Here is the year end review for April 2020:
On April 1st, the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan included $305 million for a distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund, which includes $45 million to address immediate needs for products and services in Inuit communities.
Also on April 1st, THRA forgave the monthly house payments, and the monthly duplex rental payments to help ease the financial strain on the families within Nunatsiavut Region.
April 2nd, the College of Nurses was reaching out to retired nurses to help fill some of the need in the health care system.
On April 3rd, due to COVID-19, the Moravian Churches in Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik and Goose Bay were closed for Easter. The OK Radio met with the Nain Moravian Church to decided to air the Palm Sunday Sermon at 10 am.
On April 6th, all public high school and intermediate exams for the English and francophone school districts in Newfoundland and Labrador were cancelled for the year.
Also on April 6th, the Nunatsiavut Government provided a total of $54,500 to assist food banks and community freezers to address ongoing need during the pandemic.
On April 8, Canada Post resumed operations after having five of their employees tested positive of COVID-19 from Caul’s Funeral Home.
On behalf of the Nunatsiavut Government and Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, President Johannes Lampe extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of respected Hopedale Inuk elder Andrew Piercy, who passed away on April 16.
On April 17, President Todd Russell expressed deep sadness on behalf of himself, his family, the Governing Council and the people of NunatuKavut on the passing of James G Learning.
Also on April 17th, the Nunatsiavut Government began purchasing wood as part of its COVID-19 Emergency Heat Subsidy.
On April 20, the Nunatsiavut Government announced that assistance will be provided to ensure Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement residing in the Constituency of Upper Lake Melville have sufficient nutritious food to support health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 21st, the Voisey’s Bay mine only allowed 200 workers on site who are considered essential workers as operations were ramped down in March to protect workers. The mine went down from 900 workers last month to only about 200.
Also on April 21st, search and rescue efforts were successful in finding a missing 61 year-old man in the Okak Bay area of Northern Labrador.
On April 22nd, public funerals, visitations and wakes were prohibited, and burials are restricted to no more than five people (including the officiant).
Also on April 22nd, families were entitled to receive the Canada Child Benefit for April 2020 and still have an eligible child in their care in May 2020 with a $300 extra per child as part of their regular May 2020 payment.
On April 23rd, the Trans-Labrador Highway had put up checkpoints to restrict the movement of people to essential travel only.