Baker Lake closes recreation centre over influenza A cases
Temporary closure of the public space done to ‘protect the health and safety’ of Baker Lake residents
The municipality of Baker Lake has temporarily closed its recreation centre from Jan. 6 to Jan. 12, following an outbreak of influenza A in the community. (File photo)
Baker Lake has temporarily closed its municipal recreation centre following an outbreak of influenza A in the community.
The closure, which began Monday, is a “proactive step to help minimize the spread of the illness,” according to a public service announcement posted on social media by Deputy Mayor Trevor Attungala.
The decision to close the centre followed discussions with local nursing staff, the statement added.
Speaking with Nunatsiaq News by Facebook messenger, Attungala noted that while the exact number of cases is unclear, he knows of households that are dealing with influenza A.
“We called the health centre [Monday] to see if there was any way we can help with trying to decrease the numbers. And we all decided we can first try with the rec centre,” he said.
The recreation centre will remain closed until at least Jan. 12, with a review of the situation scheduled for Jan. 13.
Residents are encouraged to wear masks in public to help reduce the spread of the virus.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, influenza symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches or pain, and chills. A person remains contagious from the day before their first symptoms until about five days after the symptoms arrive.
A Facebook post by Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School in Baker Lake said schools in the community will remain open, following existing operational policies.
For further updates, residents are advised to monitor communications from the municipality.
Nunatsiaq News contacted the Department of Health for more information, including how many influenza A cases have been reported in Baker Lake, but it did not respond.
A public health advisory issued Monday by the health department urged Nunavimmiut to ensure they are up to date with their flu vaccinations, as the winter season increases the risk of contracting influenza and COVID-19.
To help prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, the health department advises people to stay home when sick, practice good hygiene, keep distance from others when outside, and avoid smoking indoors or around others, especially babies.
We knew Western society had gone all the way into the toilet when we allowed covidmania to be forced on us
Don’t forget to put on your tinfoil hat and get ” I love PP” stickers
I love PP, he will save us , from the guy that is screwing this country.
So it was a big conspiracy to save lives, finance struggling business. I guess it worked, our losses of life were onsiderably lower even though we didn’t try drinking lysol like one of the great world leaders suggested or hung out with a bunch of rabble rousers with loud horns and hot tubs like another who is having anxiety attacks waiting for an election to be called.
Hope they block the road going to the mine.
I am somewhat surprised that the Hamlet in consultation with the local staff decided to close the rec hall, but the other place where the kids gather (the school) remains open.