After shrinking to zero as of early January, Arviat’s COVID-19 case count rose to 30 as of Saturday, Feb. 20. (File image)

Nunavut’s COVID-19 case count rises to 30

Arviat sees six new cases as of Feb. 20

By Jim Bell

Hard-hit Arviat added six new COVID-19 cases on Feb.20, Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq announced in a tweet.

That means the territory’s case count has risen to 30, an increase that comes only about six weeks after the territory’s case count had shrunk to zero as of this past Jan. 3.

Meanwhile, John Main, the MLA for Arviat North-Whale Cove, will be unable to attend the winter sitting of the Nunavut legislature in-person because of community travel restrictions that prevent him from leaving Arviat.

Instead, Main will participate via Zoom, Speaker Paul Quassa said Feb. 19 in a news release.

Savikataaq is also an Arviat resident and represents the constituency of Arviat South. But because he’s now residing in Iqaluit, he’s not affected by Arviat’s current lockdown rules.

All of Nunavut’s COVID-19 cases are located in Arviat.

Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s chief public health officer, on Feb. 19 urged all Nunavummiut to continue supporting the people of Arviat.

And he urged that Arviat residents not let their guards down.

“As we head into the weekend, it is imperative that Arviammiut refrain from visiting, maintain strong physical distancing and wear masks when outside their households.”

All residents with COVID-19 are doing well and isolating at home, the government’s news release states. Contact tracing is continuing.

As of Saturday, Feb. 20, testing in Arviat had yielded 2,180 negative tests.

Travel in and out of Arviat remains restricted, unless for emergency or essential purposes.

Arviammiut who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can call their health centre for an appointment.

To date, 6,915 Nunavummiut have received at least one dose of the Moderna vaccine. Vaccine clinics in the territory are ongoing.

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 is asked to call the COVID hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, or notify their community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days.

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(5) Comments:

  1. Posted by Bubba on

    Arviat strong!

    4
    28
    • Posted by Concerned on

      Yes, the virus in Arviat certainly seems to be. They’re lucky more people aren’t dying.

  2. Posted by Worried on

    Something has to be done in Arviat, the way it is going right now is not working,.

    21
    • Posted by Worried on

      Something drastic needs to happen. If you have to fine people please do if only to save lives.
      You need rcmp and by law enforcing no visiting no kids playing out with others. Please listen.

  3. Posted by Amaruq on

    Arviatmiut! We are Doing Out Part by wearing masks, washing hands, disinfecting bldgs/houses and Social Distancing! Business hours in some areas, we have OUT DOORS lock and service locals and/or third parties by keeping Distance and with masks. The Gamblers even did their part by staying home and for those who gambled were advised to LISTEN! So, we did and advised, if you really want to END this LOCKDOWN! DO YOUR PART! As it is overwhelmingly tiring to see the numbers go up again!!! The Provincial Areas are lacking spaces for patience at hospital and it is getting harder so LISTEN!! We are…

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