Arviat has four new cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday. But, with six new recoveries, total active cases in the community has dropped to 25. (File photo)
Arviat sees 4 new COVID-19 cases
Recoveries outpace new infections, with total of 25 active cases
Arviat has four new cases of COVID-19, the Nunavut government announced Thursday.
But, with six new recoveries reported, the territory’s total number of active cases has fallen to 25, all in Arviat.
“Arviammiut, there is still a lot of work to be done but I know how committed the community is to see an end to the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s chief public health officer, in a news release.
“Each and every one of us needs to continue our part to stop the spread of the virus, and I urge Nunavummiut to remain steadfast in their efforts.”
A two-week lockdown took effect in Arviat on Wednesday, following the hamlet’s decision to declare a state of emergency because of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
Vaccine clinics announced in four more communities
COVID-19 vaccination clinics have been scheduled for Sanirajak, Arctic Bay, Clyde River and Pangnirtung. (Photo by Dustin Patar)
Earlier this week, the Nunavut government announced that four more communities are set to receive their first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by mid-March.
Sanirajak, Arctic Bay, Clyde River and Pangnirtung are now on the list for first vaccination clinic visits, the Government of Nunavut said in a news release.
The first-dose clinic dates are:
- Sanirajak: March 5-6
- Arctic Bay: March 8-10
- Clyde River: March 15-16
- Pangnirtung: March 15-17
The vaccine dates for upcoming first doses could change depending on vaccine supply and delivery, the release stated.
So far, 15,400 doses have been delivered to the territory and 11,000 more are expected by the end of February, Danarae Sommerville, a spokesperson for the Health Department said in an email.
The second-dose vaccine clinic dates are:
- Kugaaruk: March 5-6
- Sanikiluaq: March 8-9
- Coral Harbour: March 12-13
- Naujaat: March 16-17
- Kimmirut: March 29
- Qikiqtarjuaq: March 29-30
- Kugluktuk: March 29-31
- Taloyoak: April 5-6
Iqaluit residents who are 45 years and older will be able to schedule vaccine appointments as of March 1, as part of the city’s ongoing vaccination clinic.
So far, over 1,100 doses of the Moderna vaccine have been given to Iqaluit residents, Health Minister Lorne Kusugak told the legislative assembly on Tuesday.
He said sometime in March there will be a mass vaccination clinic for all Iqaluit residents who want the vaccine, but for now, doses are being offered by priority group.
People who received the first dose should get a reminder from their health centre about scheduling their second dose appointment, the release stated, and people must receive both doses in the same community.
Priority will be given to those receiving their second dose and those who missed the first clinic in their community, but want to receive their first dose, will be put on a waitlist if doses are limited, according to the release.
Across Nunavut, 7,073 doses have been administered as of Wednesday, according to the government’s online tracker. The Health Department has not confirmed how many of these were first or second doses.
As a community Arviat has been working hard to contain the virus and we will continue to do so. Over half of Arviat’s population is under 18 and not eligible to be vaccinated yet, and also most likely to be infected without showing any symptoms – but able to spread the virus! Our children have not been able to go to school for almost 4 months now. It is challenging to keep children engaged and positive when they can’t see their friends or release their physical energy through sports or on the playground. Despite this, there are many families in Arviat who have lots of children but who have had no covid-19. MOST ARVIAMMIUT HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THE RULES AND RESTRICTIONS CONSISTENTLY AND THEY DESERVE A LOT OF RESPECT AND CREDIT FOR THEIR EFFORTS. As it has everywhere, the covid-19 virus has exposed the many gaps in the health and social services available in Arviat, Nunavut, and Canada, especially for people living in poverty and those with mental health challenges. They need our prayers, compassion, and support, as well as stricter enforcement of the pandemic rules and restrictions. We can all thank the GN for all the precautions they have taken during this past year that Arviat has been the only Nunavut community to have to deal with widespread Covid-19. Please continue to be vigilant and follow the guidelines in your community, and get vaccinated when you have the opportunity, and please continue to give Arviat your prayers and support,
Arviat strong!
Teaching young is hard as young generation of this for this infection is going on and long enough you tried best and yes we preyed and will still prey always, take a team to deal and hope to get a clear soon for your hardships and will be here for you never forget from Iqaluit or rest of us.
Day by day ask when need help always work together.
David
Very True, the over-crowded homes is struggling especially with Little Ones. Lack of Affordable Housing and hope the GN looks at bldg. more units and for those who have Mental Challenges – wishful thinking, they get a Single Dwelling House, not apartments only because of their condition, it hurts a lot and how to deal with it…Arviatmiut and to the World! You have Our Prayers including ourselves <3!