COVID-19 GN Update – April 15, 2021
Press Release
Good morning. Today, we are reporting one case of COVID-19 in Iqaluit.
This is certainly not the news we wanted, but it was always something we knew could happen, and we are prepared.
Thankfully, 13,937 adult Nunavummiut have received their first Moderna dose, and 10,128 Nunavummiut are now fully vaccinated against the virus. As I mentioned in the news release last night, this includes more than 3600 Iqalummiut with at least one dose, and 2000 Iqalummiut with both doses.
I know a lot of people are very worried and anxious right now. That’s normal, but now is the time to be strict with following the public health measures- stay home, stick to your household bubble, and wear a mask.
It’s essential everyone do their part to slow any potential spread of COVID-19. This will be a community effort and means we’re all in this together.
For months we’ve been asking Nunavummiut to be prepared, not scared. Now is the time to prove that. We need to learn to live with COVID, and that means being safe and avoiding risks.
We can all look to the dedication, patience and hard work of Arviammiut as our inspiration.
We can do this, and we can and will keep one another safe. Don’t take chances. Don’t risk your health or the health of your friends, family, Elders and community.
Nunavummiut, if you haven’t already, call your local health centre to make an appointment to get your Moderna vaccine. It’s also important that you go to your second dose appointment to ensure you the vaccine’s full protection.
Now I’ll turn it over to Dr. Patterson to let us know our next steps. Stay home, stay safe and stay well.
Minister of Health Update:
Good morning.
I know the news of COVID in Iqaluit has people in the city and in the communities concerned.
I want to reassure everyone that we are working hard to identify and contain the virus.
We have planned for this; we are ready for this and we will do everything we can to keep everyone safe.
Please don’t panic.
There is no reason to rush to the store and begin hoarding supplies. We have enough for everyone and our supply chains are not affected.
Hoarding only hurts others.
Please, let’s be kind to each other, help each other and cooperate with public health.
Follow the orders, wear a mask and wash your hands frequently.
Together we will come through this.
Be safe and be well.
Thank you.
Chief Public Health Officer Update:
Good morning,
Last night at around 8 p.m. we confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 in Iqaluit. The individual is an exempted critical worker who has been in the territory for about 16 days and became symptomatic two days ago. The person was tested yesterday at Iqaluit Public Health. Based on the timeframe, it is likely the individual contracted COVID in Iqaluit and we have a team from Iqaluit Public Health contact tracing to identify any other positive cases of the infection.
Effective 7 a.m. this morning, Iqaluit has been placed under our strictest level of public health measures. All non-essential businesses and government offices must close. Indoor gatherings are restricted to one household plus five people for emergencies only. Outdoor gatherings are limited to five people. All indoor public gatherings are prohibited. All schools in Iqaluit will be closed for the remainder of this week. Masks are mandatory.
Qikiqtani General Hospital is reduced to emergency services only and clinics will be virtual with optional in person visits at the clinician’s discretion. If you have a non-emergency medical need, please call first. More information on service changes is available on the GN website.
Because Iqaluit is a travel hub, travel restrictions would be harmful. To reduce the risks, we have increased restrictions across the Baffin Region and in Rankin Inlet. This means, businesses may remain open but must implement strict social distancing. Indoor gatherings are restricted to a household plus 15 people. Outdoor gatherings are restricted to 100 people. Indoor public gatherings are restricted to 50 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less. All schools will move to Stage 2 of the Education plan.
If you left Iqaluit on or after April 13 to another Nunavut community, you must isolate for 14 days in your community.
Vaccine clinics in Iqaluit and in the communities are continuing as scheduled. If you have an appointment already scheduled, please do not call to confirm. Attend your appointment as scheduled, be on time, go alone and wear a mask.
I urge everyone to follow the public health orders. Following the orders, will help us contain and eliminate this outbreak as quickly as possible. I also urge anyone who believes to have been in close contact with the positive individual to immediately isolate and self-monitor for symptoms. If you are identified as a contact by Public Health, please cooperate with the contact tracing protocols.
If you have COVID-19 related questions or believe you might have been exposed or have symptoms, please call the hotline at 867-975-8601 to speak to a nurse. Please reserve calls to health centres and the hospital for emergencies or other medical needs.
Remember, no one wants to get COVID or spread COVID, it is not a time for blame or anger. The best things we can do is follow the orders, wash our hands, stay physically distanced and stay home if you are sick.
Thank you.
Read More: https://www.gov.nu.ca/executive-and-intergovernmental-affairs/news/covid-19-gn-update-april-15-2021
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