One new case of COVID-19 in Nunavut
News Release
One new case of COVID-19 in Nunavut
Iqaluit, Nunavut (December 17, 2020) – Today, Nunavut has one new case of COVID-19. There are 37 active cases in the territory, all in Arviat. To date, 222 Nunavummiut have recovered from COVID-19.
“As we continue to plan for the arrival of our first doses of the vaccine in-territory, Nunavummiut must continue to practice all the public health measures for the foreseeable future,” said Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer. “This vaccine should be considered the first step in a long journey to end COVID-19. It is not a cure, but the best defence we have so far. COVID-19 is here for the long-term, and we must all stay vigilant and prepared.”
Contact tracing in all impacted communities is ongoing and public health staff are monitoring everyone in isolation. As of December 16, Arviat testing has yielded 972 negative tests. Monitoring in Sanikiluaq, Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove continues.
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
An update will be provided at a press conference at 11 a.m. EST, Friday, December 18.
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Media Contacts
Cate Macleod
Press Secretary to Premier Savikataaq
867-975-5059
@email
Chris Puglia
A/Manager Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email