COVID-19 restrictions eased in Arviat

Nunavut’s Department of Health is lifting some public health restrictions in Arviat after determining there is no COVID-19 community spread in the hamlet.

The department made the announcement Wednesday in a news release. The changes are effective immediately.

More than 80 tests have come back negative since last week’s presumptive case, according to the release.

“The risk of the virus transmitting in the community is low,” said Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s chief public health officer, in the release.

The lifting of restrictions means that people are no longer recommended to avoid travel to the community. Also, the isolation advisory has been lifted for people who left Arviat on or after Sept. 6.

Several other restrictions have been eased, including:

• There is no limit to the number of people at outdoor gatherings.
• Indoor gatherings in dwellings increase to 15 people, plus household members.
• Indoor public gatherings, including places of worship, gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools, are increased to 100 people or 75 per cent capacity, whichever is less.
• Libraries, galleries may allow 25 people or 50 per cent capacity.
• Public places may allow group tours, group workouts and singing.
• Team sports may resume.
• Restaurants and licensed establishments are restricted to 75 per cent capacity.
• Group counselling sessions increase to 20 people.
• Parks buildings may open.
• Long-term care and elders’ facilities may allow a max of two visitors per resident; masks mandatory for all visitors over age of four; only immediate family.

Schools and daycares in Arviat were allowed to open on Monday. A Nunavut-wide mask mandate remains in place.