No change to public health measures in Pond Inlet

Press Release

Iqaluit, Nunavut (February 18, 2022) – Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, announced today that public health restrictions in Pond Inlet will not be eased on Monday, February 21 as previously announced.

“Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Pond Inlet this week, it is not safe to change public health measures in the community at this time,” said Dr. Patterson. “We will continue to assess the situation and I urge community members to follow the public health measures in place and support efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Pond Inlet.”

Masks remain mandatory in all communities and non-essential travel continues to be discouraged. Current public health restrictions in Pond Inlet are as follows:

Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.
Indoor gatherings in dwellings are restricted to five people, plus household members. Indoor public gatherings, including community halls and recreation centres are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity.
Schools and daycares remain open.
Places of worship are limited to 50 people or 25 per cent capacity, no singing.
Arenas are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is less, as well as a maximum of 25 spectators. No team sports.
All non-essential businesses except personal services remain open.
Group counselling sessions are limited to 10 people.
Taxis may have one fare per trip, masks mandatory.
Parks and playgrounds may open, but buildings remain closed.

For more information go to: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path.

Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms – runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever or difficulty breathing – should call the COVID hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT. There are longer wait times to get through to the hotline, so please remain patient. Please do not call or go to the health centre unless it is an emergency.

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
cpuglia@gov.nu.ca

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