Nunavut funds seamstresses to make masks for those in need

Through the Nunavut Development Corp., the Government of Nunavut is funding seamstresses to make 5,000 masks for elders, residents with underlying health conditions and non-medical first responders like firefighters. “At least 500 have been set aside immediately for our air travellers to comply with Transport Canada’s new requirements for travellers,” Premier Joe Savikataaq said at a news conference on Wednesday, April 22. The masks will be made of cotton and will be washable, reusable and made according to national standards and guidelines. The masks are not meant to replace other preventive measures like social distancing and hand washing, Savikataaq said. How-to instructions are also being developed so people can sew their own masks. There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut. (File photo)