Positive COVID-19 case in Pond Inlet

Press Release

Iqaluit, Nunavut (November 12, 2021) – Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, today announced a positive case of COVID-19 in Pond Inlet.

“The individual developed symptoms on November 5, and immediately began isolation and was tested. The positive test was confirmed earlier today,” said Dr. Patterson. “ Out of abundance of caution, public health restrictions will increase in the community, while contact tracing is ongoing. Schools and childcare facilities may remain open to ensure continuity of learning.”

Effective immediately:

• Masks are mandatory in public spaces.
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.
• Indoor gatherings in dwellings are restricted to five people, plus household members.
• Indoor public gatherings, including, gyms, fitness centres, libraries, galleries are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity.
• 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 and 25 spectators.
• Personal services such as beauty salons and hairdressers are closed. Other non-essential businesses may open.
• Restaurants and licensed establishments are restricted to take-out only, maximum 10 people in line with physical distancing.
• Group counselling sessions are limited to 10 people.
• Long-term care and elders’ facilities may have one visitor per resident, masks mandatory.
• Parks and playgrounds may open, but parks buildings remain closed.

Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms 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 by telephone. Please do not go to the health centre in person.

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available to all Nunavummiut aged 12 and older. Contact your health centre to make an appointment. Iqaluit Public Health takes vaccine walk-ins for Pfizer (ages 12 to 17) on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins for Moderna (18 and older) are held Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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 protected]

IHT5