Two confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kinngait
News Release
Two confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kinngait
Iqaluit, Nunavut (September 19, 2021) – Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, today announced two positive cases of COVID-19 in Kinngait.
“Today, two individuals in Kinngait tested positive for COVID-19,” said Dr. Patterson. “Contact tracing with the positive individuals and associated contacts is ongoing to determine the source of infection.”
Contact tracing has found potential exposure to COVID-19 at Dorset Suites in Kinngait. As a result, the Department of Health is asking anyone who stayed or dined there on or after September 8 to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days. If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and contact the COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, or notify the community health centre right away by telephone. Please do not go to the health centre in person.
Due to the recent cases of COVID-19 in multiple communities and rising COVID-19 case counts in Southern Canada, risk of exposure across the territory has increased. In response, masks are now mandatory across Nunavut.
In addition, anyone who is not fully vaccinated and has left Kinngait on or after September 13, should isolate for 14 days. Those who are vaccinated should monitor for symptoms.
- Public health measures will be increased in Kinngait to help reduce the risk of community transmission. Effective immediately:
- Travel in and out of Kinngait is not recommended.
- Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people.
- Indoor gatherings in dwellings decrease to 10 people, plus household members.
- Indoor public gatherings, including places of worship, gyms, fitness centres, libraries, galleries and swimming pools, are restricted to 25 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less.
- No public places may allow group tours, group workouts or singing.
- Gatherings in arenas are restricted to 50 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less. No team sports.
- Restaurants and licensed establishments are restricted to 25 per cent capacity.
- Group counselling sessions are limited to 10 people.
- Parks remain open but buildings are closed.
- Schools and childcare facilities remain open, but masks are mandatory.
- Long-term care and elders’ facilities may allow a max of two visitors per resident; masks mandatory for all visitors over age of four; only immediate family.
Vaccine continues to be available across the territory. Call your health centre to make an appointment or walk into Iqaluit Public Health every weekday for Moderna (ages 18+) and Wednesday for Pfizer (ages 12 to 17). Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.
For all the latest information 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