Coral Harbour sees case of COVID-19

Public health restrictions in Coral Harbour are being tightened following the confirmation of a case of COVID-19 in the community.

Travel to and from the community “is not recommended,” announced Nunavut’s public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson on Wednesday.

In a news release, the department also said outdoor gatherings are now limited to 25 people, household gatherings are limited to five people in addition to household members, and indoor public gatherings are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is less.

Personal services will close, but schools and childcare facilities can remain open.

These restrictions are being introduced “due to the current risk of exposure to multiple people in multiple households,” the news release states.

Patterson said the infected person is doing well and isolating, and public health is conducting contact tracing.

“I urge all eligible residents of Coral Harbour to get vaccinated,” he said. “It is our best protection against COVID-19.”

Since mid-September, Iqaluit, Kugluktuk and Kinngait have also had at least one confirmed case of COVID-19.

Currently, the only other Nunavut community with an active case is Kinngait.