A Nunavut resident has tested positive for COVID-19, but the Government of Nunavut says that infected individual has been in the south for six weeks and is being treated in the south. Nunavut continues to have no confirmed cases of COVID-19. (File photo)
Nunavut resident on medical travel tests positive for COVID-19
“The individual is receiving care in the South and is doing well”
A resident of Nunavut who was on medical travel outside the territory has tested positive for COVID-19, Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s chief public health officer, said today in a news release.
“The individual is receiving care in the South and is doing well,” Patterson said.
“We are confident this poses minimal risk of bringing the virus to Nunavut, as any travellers who might have come into contact with the patient have to isolate for 14 days prior to their return to Nunavut.”
The infected person has been in southern Canada for about six weeks for treatment of an issue unrelated to COVID-19, the GN said.
Due to confidentially concerns, and because the infection was declared outside the territory, the GN said that it would not disclose any information about the infected person’s home community.
“I wish this individual a speedy recovery and know they are receiving excellent care in the South. I want to assure Nunavummiut that this does not pose any additional risk within our territory but encourage everyone to stay vigilant in their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Nunavut,” said George Hickes, Nunavut’s heath minister, in the news release.
“The Department of Health will monitor both the patient and their escort’s conditions, and ensure their families stay informed and receive any necessary supports,” the GN said.
Nunavut has been free of COVID-19 to date, although a false-positive test was recorded in Pond Inlet last month.
And Winnipeg just has its first case in 6 days at same time