New COVID-19 case in Arviat brings total to 18
Fifth time in a week Nunavut reports new cases
The Government of Nunavut reported a new case of COVID-19 in Arviat on Thursday, setting the territory’s active cases at 18. (Illustration by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)
A new COVID-19 case in Arviat brings Nunavut’s number of active cases to 18, the territory’s Health Department says.
Thursday’s update was the fifth time since last Friday the territory reported new cases — all of them in Arviat.
All of the Arviat residents with active cases of the respiratory virus are doing well, not showing symptoms and are isolating, a government news release states.
Chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson commended all the territory’s residents who have received vaccinations for their “commitment to the health and well-being of all Nunavummiut.”
He encouraged anyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine to make an appointment with their health centre to receive a shot.
“Public health and community commitment are in everyone’s best interest,” Patterson said in the release.
In the meantime, he repeated the importance of following public health advice to prevent the spread of the disease, including social distancing and hand-washing.
“It’s important that everyone continue to practise all public health measures for the foreseeable future,” Patterson said.
Nunavut’s case count stood at zero for most of January but the coronavirus resurfaced in Arviat last week. Patterson attributed its return to in-home gatherings in the hamlet.
In total, Nunavut has had 283 cases of COVID-19, including the death of an Arviat man in December. Arviat accounts for 239 of those cases. Outbreaks occurred in Sanikiluaq, Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet, but those communities have been without any active cases for several weeks.
COVID-19 has killed more than 19,500 people across Canada.
Schools are still close here in the community. That does not mean children of arviat are at home. Not true, they are more active playing street hockey and outdoor activities due to unusual warm weather spell. Patents not giving a hoot. What lock down doctor?
Arviat strong!