13 new cases of COVID-19 in Arviat
News Release
13 new cases of COVID-19 in Arviat
Iqaluit, Nunavut (January 24, 2021) – Today, Nunavut has 13 new cases of COVID-19, all in Arviat. There are now 15 active cases in the territory.
“In response to this new surge in infections and effective immediately, public health restrictions in Arviat are being tightened,” said Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut's Chief Public Health Officer. “Travel to and from the community is restricted. Schools are closed, all gatherings and non-essential services are suspended. Indoor gatherings are restricted to household members and an additional five people for emergencies only. Masks continue to be mandatory.”
All individuals are asymptomatic, doing well and are isolating. This cluster involves multiple households. Contact tracing is ongoing, and work is underway to determine how the cases are linked.
Nunavut's Rapid Response Team is supporting the community health team remotely and additional support should arrive in the community in the next 48 hours. Anyone who has travelled to and from Arviat since January 19 are asked to limit their contacts and self-monitor for symptoms. They are also asked to contact their local health centre or Iqaluit public health, if in the city, to help with contact tracing and monitoring.
Vaccine doses are still available in Arviat. Please contact the health centre to make an appointment.
“I know how hard all Nunavummiut have been working since the start of the pandemic, and especially over the past two months. Unfortunately, COVID doesn’t care much about that. We need to stay stronger, more aware and more careful than ever,” said Premier Joe Savikataaq. “Arviammiut have always shown their resilience and adaptability. I am proud of everyone in my home community, and ask that you remain more vigilant than ever. Please do not visit and make sure to stay home as much as possible. I’m sending you all strength and hope.”
Anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 is advised to call the COVID-hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, or notify their community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days. Please do not go to the health centre in person.
For all the latest information, including the numbers of recovered and active cases per community, go to:
https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus.
For the latest information on current public health restrictions, go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path.
For the latest information on Nunavut's COVID-19 vaccination plans, go to: https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination.
An update will be provided at a press conference tomorrow, Monday, January 25. Time and details will be announced beforehand.
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Media Contact:
Cate Macleod
Press Secretary to Premier Savikataaq
867-975-5059
@email
Chris Puglia
A/Manager Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email