The Government of Nunavut says it’s lifting restrictions in Arviat and Whale Cove now that both communities have been free of COVID-19 for two weeks. (File image)

Nunavut lifts COVID-19 restrictions in two communities

Schools, offices and businesses can reopen in Arviat and Whale Cove starting Tuesday

By Nunatsiaq News

The Government of Nunavut says it’s lifting restrictions in Arviat and Whale Cove now that both communities have been free of COVID-19 for two weeks.

The Kivalliq communities were the last in Nunavut with active cases of COVID-19 last reported in December. Health officials declared the territory virus-free on Jan. 3.

Now, starting Jan. 12, Nunavut’s chief public health officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, has given those two communities the green light to reopen schools, government offices and most private businesses, the GN said in a news release Monday.

Travel restrictions will also be lifted on Tuesday in those two communities, though Patterson advises against any non-essential travel.

Limits for indoor gatherings now increase to 10 people in addition to household members, while outdoor gatherings can now host up to 50 people, the GN said.

“While this is good news, I want to remind everyone that it will take until the end of January to declare the outbreaks over,” Patterson said.

“For everyone’s health and safety, it is important we continue to follow the public health measures in place.”

Nunavut is now in its second week of its vaccination campaign against COVID-19, with clinics underway in Igloolik and Gjoa Haven, and Arviat and Cambridge Bay scheduled for vaccinations starting Thursday.

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(3) Comments:

  1. Posted by Kivalirmiuttaq on

    Will the schools operate at 50% like we did here in Rankin Inlet? I think that would be the best option for another couple weeks.

    • Posted by Amai? on

      I’m not sure why there needs to be only at 50% capacity For schools. Other parts of Canada that have no covid are at 100% capacity. High school students are wearing masks while the younger children are attending full time. We really need to have children attend school and be literate. It maybe safe.

      • Posted by Winds from the south on

        The numbers are extremely high in the south. With people still coming in from the south and some essential workers not having to go through the isolation hubs, I think it is a risky move to open schools back to normal. Wait until we’re mostly vaccinated.

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