COVID-19 identified in Qikiqtarjuaq
News Release
COVID-19 identified in Qikiqtarjuaq
Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut (December 28, 2021) – Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), is announcing one case of COVID-19 in Qikiqtarjuaq. Currently there are 37 active cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut- 20 in Iqaluit, 5 in Pangnirtung, 10 in Rankin Inlet, 1 in Sanirajak and 1 in Qikitarjuaq.
“COVID-19 cases continue to rise and we now have active cases in five of our communities. The more communities affected by COVID-19, the greater the pressure on our health care system,” said Dr. Patterson. “Nunavut’s infrastructure and limited resources make it difficult to manage several outbreaks simultaneously. It is vital that people follow all the public health measures. Do not gather with anyone outside of your household, wear a mask, keep physical distance, and isolate on return to the territory if you are not triple vaccinated. Successfully managing the spread of COVID-19 requires everyone to do their part to keep one another safe. Please don’t take chances.”
Strict public health measures are still in effect Nunavut-wide until at least January 7, and travel restrictions are in place for Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit and Pangnirtung. Travel to and from those communities is restricted to essential purposes only and for those returning to their home community or travelling to Southern Canada. Non-essential travel, especially between communities in Nunavut, is highly discouraged.
Premier Akeeagok and Dr. Patterson will hold a live update at 11 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, December 29 about the Government of Nunavut’s on-going response to COVID-19. Tune in on the Legislative Assembly TV channel, online at http://video.isilive/nunavut/ or on radio in Iqaluit at 92.5FM.
Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms is advised to call the COVID hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT or notify their community health centre right away by telephone. Please do not go to the health centre in person.
COVID-19 vaccines are available to all Nunavummiut aged 5 and older and boosters are available for anyone 12 years and older. Contact your health centre to make an appointment. For all the latest information and guidelines on COVID-19 in Nunavut, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/
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Media Contact:
Chris Puglia
A/Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email