Iqaluit’s COVID-19 case count climbs to 6

Premier Joe Savikataaq announces 4 new cases of the virus on Friday

There have been 654 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut since the pandemic began. (File photo)

By Nunatsiaq News

Four new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Iqaluit, Premier Joe Savikataaq announced on Twitter Friday morning.

With no new recoveries reported, there are now six active cases of the virus in the territory, all in Iqaluit.

Friday’s announcement marks the first time since May 26 that the territory reported new cases on consecutive days.

Wednesday’s case was discovered when the person was admitted to Qikiqtani General Hospital.

During a media briefing following Thursday’s announcement, Patterson said that it would take “a lot more than one case,” to send Iqaluit back into a lockdown.

“The goals of our outbreak response include ensuring that the health-care system, including public health, contact tracing and everything doesn’t get overwhelmed,” Patterson said.

“In the second half of April and early May, the contact tracing staff were able to keep up but it was a struggle. We’re now in a much better position.”

According to Savikataaq, today’s new cases involve people who were not vaccinated.

To date, 17,885 people in Nunavut have received their first vaccine dose and 15,707 are now fully vaccinated.

Following Savikataaq’s announcement earlier in the week that Nunavut’s supply of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines had arrived in the territory on schedule, community clinics for youth between the ages of 12 and 17 will begin on June 15 and run through July.

In Iqaluit, the first Pfizer doses for youth will be available at Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s mass vaccination clinic from June 16 to 19 between the hours of 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. Officials at the clinic, located at the curling rink, will also administer the Moderna vaccine to adults.

The Government of Nunavut is scheduled to hold its next televised COVID-19 update on Monday at 11 a.m. eastern time.

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(18) Comments:

  1. Posted by Old Timer on

    Co’mon start listening stop being like kids start wearing a mask

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    • Posted by Try it on

      Try making me wear a mask. Clovid’s over let just get back to normal. Keep the vaccines going but let’s move on already and that means no more masks for vaccinated people

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      • Posted by llyod on

        can i come for a visit and make you wear a mask?

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        • Posted by Bert Rose on

          yes.

  2. Posted by surprise surprise on

    “According to Savikataaq, today’s new cases involve people who were not vaccinated.”

    Surprise surprise. Probably not kids either because we would have heard of the schools taking precautionary measures.

    I know places around the world are dealing with antivax misinformation, but it’s on a totally different level here. I can understand the widespread deep-rooted distrust in government, but at some point you’re unwillingness (or inability) to think critically will screw of people you love and your community… whether it’s covid or the next big issue. I feel sorry for good people who are surrounded by family and friends who are so brainwashed that they can’t show empathy.

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    • Posted by Still here on

      It could very well be children , and that would be a big miss step by our leaders, stay safe and wear masks, lets hope no more climbing of numbers over the weekend.

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    • Posted by Twisted Thinking on

      Exactly, I’ve seen comments on Facebook from Nunavummiut afraid the vaccine will alter their DNA and turn them into monkeys and other totally weird non-sense. I also know several who refuse to get the second shot because they are afraid it will make them sick.

      It’s difficult to muster pity for the ignorance, but I suppose it’s not their fault for being so susceptible to this foolishness.

      Our government needs to address this head on, though it seems unlikely that a lifetime of poor education and conspiracy mindedness can easily be undone in a short period.

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    • Posted by Vaccinated on

      I find the same people who are antivax are the same types that vote Cons, just saying.

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  3. Posted by George on

    Nature will take care of those who choose not to be vaccinated. They will either get very sick and recover (not a fun way to gain some immunity), or they will get very sick and die.

    I’m vaccinated. What others choose to do it on them.

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  4. Posted by Children First on

    At the beginning of this crisis, we have been told that we needed to protect the elders and the vulnerable. Fine. We did our parts. We stayed home. We wore masks.

    Then, we have been told that we needed to protect our healthcare workers and our healthcare systems. Fine again. We did our parts.

    Then, we have been told that the vaccine is secure, is working, and is available. We have been told that we needed roughly 75% of adults vaccinated. Fine again. We did our parts again. We got the needle.

    Then, we have we have been told that… oh wait… we needed 75% of 12+ yo to be vaccinated. Then, we have been told that even if you are vaccinated, you still have to wear a mask, and follow the rules. Then, we have been told that if you are vaccinated, you are somewhat free but still need to ask CPHO to move around your own country. Then, we have been told that if you are a responsible parent, well wait your turn. We need to put a needle into your toddler at some point. Then, we need the whole planet to be vaccinated!

    WHAT MORE CAN WE DO? ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

    If you don’t want the vaccine, fine. If you catch Covid, society will not judge you. Society will give you the best treatment for free, just like we treat smokers. However, don’t impose your ideas . Don’t impose your fears. Don’t impose your rules. You chose to live your best life, well let me live mine. We will continue to see new cases in Nunavut. Let’s learn to live with Covid-19.

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  5. Posted by unshaven on

    Start of the second wave. I’m heading to the hills with a bunch of can food and Mr. Noodles. Going to the place where I take my dates. If you need me ill be there. I’ll be there for you but don’t come too close. Start of the second wave not gave. shoulda stayed locked down a little longer. should have listened to the wisdom of the elders. shoulda bough more mr noodles.

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    • Posted by Ryan on

      I’m staying and I am not too worried as I got my two shots and fully vaccinated.

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  6. Posted by Alain b on

    I think it’s to early to relief the lockdown we should wait till it’s down completely to zero at lease for another month to see if new case will pop out that’s what we should do

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  7. Posted by delbert on

    I just returned to Nunavut after isolating in the south. Is any testing being done in Iqaluit? It just seems that cases are identified if some one goes to the E.R.. What about people that have the virus and show no sign of having the virus. Departments of Health and Public Safety should be doing testing if it is not being done.

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    • Posted by I agree on

      I agree, I don’t get why they don’t do more testing! They need to be more proactive and have a testing clinic going,
      Best way to eliminate Covid, find who has it and stop the spread.

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  8. Posted by Nina on

    someone said some kids at the school got covid is this true?

  9. Posted by Covid Will Never Go Away 100 % on

    Covid Will Never Go Away 100 % Its an airborne strain of the flu. Yes I said it
    “THE FLU”
    When this virus started it was called the “Corona Virus” then it turned into
    Covid-19, and yes before that it was called those names it was “The Flu”
    No….I an not saying Covid-19 does not exsist….it does, but it is a member of the airbourne

    You can do all the testing you want, and think you have it under control, then Bamm its here again.

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    • Posted by Dr Who on

      Please stop with the misinformation we have enough of that going around especially in the legislative with one particular member.

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