2020 Arctic Winter Games cancelled
The decision comes in response to concerns around the spread of COVID-19
Just a few days after Team Nunavut unveiled their 2020 Arctic Winter Game uniforms, the games they were poised to compete in have been cancelled over concerns about the coronavirus. (File photo)
The upcoming Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse have been cancelled due to concerns around COVID-19.
While there are no cases of the virus in any of Canada’s northern territories, the Arctic Winter Games Host Society along with the Yukon Government and the City of Whitehorse are following a recommendation given by Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health.
“It was been determined that cancelling the 2020 AWG is the most responsible precautionary measure,” said a news release issued late this afternoon.
A press conference regarding the cancellation of the games is being held at 6 p.m. eastern standard time and can be viewed on the Arctic Winter Games Facebook page.
I think , its a good idea , that people put all their travel plans on hold till this virus passes
A bummer for these kids, but it’s for the best. The whole world is shutting itself down it seems.
You meet, you greet, you shake, and you get sick. That’s the pattern. Keeping meetings at bay, would not only prevent sickness, but it will contribute to the growth of the economy in the north. Seems like every day , theres a plane load of meet and greets going off there somewhere to congregate and blow off steam, in a shake and hug, touch me here situation. Hault the go and keep us healthy, talk less, do more.
I like to see a little more cautious behaviour in The North with traveling and gatherings. I’m surprise that the health authorities are not issuing more warnings in Nunavik. The traveling and the large gatherings for meetings are continued, with no alerts to do otherwise. We’ll soon see a case or two starting on our doorstep, and it’ll probably be in a person or more after one of the many meetings that are taking place. Therefore panicking will happen. And more transmission. Shaking hands is traditional in many cultures, but in Our northern culture is done so often, without any thoughts to transmit of diseases. We all know it’s natural, and difficult not to shake hands, but why don’t health authorities at least address theses concerns. Washing hands is one of the more important actions, but keep travelling and meetings on hold for now would be good preventive action.